3 days ago
India will look to seal the three-match T20I series against Afghanistan when the two teams meet in the second match at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Tuesday.
India lead the series 1-0 after a convincing seven-wicket win in the first T20I. Afghanistan will need a much better performance to keep the series alive.
Afghanistan were in trouble early in the first T20I after losing five wickets for 43 runs inside the Power-play. Azmatullah Omarzai and Mohammad Nabi then put the innings back on track with an 83-run partnership.
Omarzai remained unbeaten on 64 off 44 **** as Afghanistan finished with 156/8. However, the total was not enough against India's strong batting line-up.
Arshdeep Singh was India's best bowler, taking 3/9. Jasprit **** rah also made an impact on his return to international cricket by picking up an early wicket. Axar Patel and Varun Chakaravarthy also took wickets as Afghanistan struggled to build momentum.
India made the chase look easy thanks to an explosive innings from Abhishek Sharma.
The left-handed opener smashed 82 off just 32 **** , hitting seven fours and seven sixes. Ishan Kishan also made a useful contribution with 42.
India reached 157/3 in only 13.4 overs to take a 1-0 lead in the series.
Afghanistan's biggest concern will be their top order.
Rahmanullah Gurbaz was dismissed for a duck in the first over of the opening T20I. Afghanistan will need their top-order batters to give the team a stronger start and provide a platform for players such as Omarzai, Nabi and Rashid Khan.
The visitors have several match-winners in their squad, including Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmad, Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Naveen-ul-Haq.
Captain Ibrahim Zadran, who is leading Afghanistan in his first series as full-time T20I captain, will hope his team can turn its individual talent into a more disciplined performance.
India also have some selection decisions to make despite their comfortable win in the first T20I.
Abhishek's 82 has strengthened his position at the top of the order, while Sanju Samson scored only 10 runs.
Ishan Kishan also scored 42, giving India another option in the batting line-up. Teenage batter Vaibhav Sooryavanshi could also be in contention after missing the first T20I.
India will also be without Harshit Rana, who has been ruled out after suffering a rectus femoris strain. Yash Thakur has joined the squad as his replacement.
A win on Tuesday will give India an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series. Afghanistan, meanwhile, need a victory to take the series into a decider.
#first #lead #seven #need
India lead the series 1-0 after a convincing seven-wicket win in the first T20I. Afghanistan will need a much better performance to keep the series alive.
Afghanistan were in trouble early in the first T20I after losing five wickets for 43 runs inside the Power-play. Azmatullah Omarzai and Mohammad Nabi then put the innings back on track with an 83-run partnership.
Omarzai remained unbeaten on 64 off 44 **** as Afghanistan finished with 156/8. However, the total was not enough against India's strong batting line-up.
Arshdeep Singh was India's best bowler, taking 3/9. Jasprit **** rah also made an impact on his return to international cricket by picking up an early wicket. Axar Patel and Varun Chakaravarthy also took wickets as Afghanistan struggled to build momentum.
India made the chase look easy thanks to an explosive innings from Abhishek Sharma.
The left-handed opener smashed 82 off just 32 **** , hitting seven fours and seven sixes. Ishan Kishan also made a useful contribution with 42.
India reached 157/3 in only 13.4 overs to take a 1-0 lead in the series.
Afghanistan's biggest concern will be their top order.
Rahmanullah Gurbaz was dismissed for a duck in the first over of the opening T20I. Afghanistan will need their top-order batters to give the team a stronger start and provide a platform for players such as Omarzai, Nabi and Rashid Khan.
The visitors have several match-winners in their squad, including Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmad, Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Naveen-ul-Haq.
Captain Ibrahim Zadran, who is leading Afghanistan in his first series as full-time T20I captain, will hope his team can turn its individual talent into a more disciplined performance.
India also have some selection decisions to make despite their comfortable win in the first T20I.
Abhishek's 82 has strengthened his position at the top of the order, while Sanju Samson scored only 10 runs.
Ishan Kishan also scored 42, giving India another option in the batting line-up. Teenage batter Vaibhav Sooryavanshi could also be in contention after missing the first T20I.
India will also be without Harshit Rana, who has been ruled out after suffering a rectus femoris strain. Yash Thakur has joined the squad as his replacement.
A win on Tuesday will give India an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series. Afghanistan, meanwhile, need a victory to take the series into a decider.
#first #lead #seven #need
5 days ago
NEW DELHI: England completed a 3-0 Test series clean sweep over Pakistan at Edgbaston, but the series produced an unusual statistic.
It was only the eighth three-match Test series in history to finish without a single individual century. It was also only the second such series in England, after the 1888 Ashes.
England's batting was led by Joe Root, who remained unbeaten on 62 in the third Test, while Jordan **** scored an unbeaten 59 as England chased down 130 with eight wickets in hand.
The result gave England their second 3-0 Test series clean sweep over Pakistan, after their success in the 2022/23 series. It was also England's 15th three-match Test series sweep overall.
For Pakistan, it was their 11th Test series defeat by a 3-0 margin.
England's chase got off to a shocking start when Ben Duckett was dismissed for a duck with the first ball. Emilio Gay then fell later in the same over bowled by Mohammad Abbas.
At 2 for 2, Pakistan had a chance to put England under serious pressure.
But Root settled things down. He survived a major scare when Mohammad Ali bowled him for 23, only for the delivery to be called a no-ball.
It was Ali's 17th no-ball of the series.
Root had another lucky escape when, on 38, he edged Abbas between first and second slip. Neither fielder went for the catch.
The England batter made Pakistan pay for the missed opportunities. He went on to complete his 110th score of 50 or more in Test cricket, including 41 centuries.
Jordan **** provided excellent support for Root as the pair took control of the chase.
Cox remained unbeaten on 59 and helped England reach the target in just 25 overs.
Pakistan had shown plenty of fight in the third Test after conceding a massive 320-run first-innings lead. But England's dominance in the first two Tests meant the series was already heavily tilted in their favour.
Had Pakistan shown the same fight earlier in the series, the contest could have been much closer.
England's fast bowlers were the biggest difference between the two sides.
Ollie Robinson led the attack and finished the series with 21 wickets. Jofra Archer, Josh Tongue and Gus Atkinson also played important roles as England's pace attack made the most of helpful conditions.
The batting, however, was less convincing.
No England batter scored a century across the three Tests, making the series only the eighth three-match Test series without an individual hundred and just the second in England after the 1888 Ashes.
Pakistan's biggest positive came from debutant Razaullah, who produced an exciting counter-attack at Edgbaston.
His thrilling 81 off 63 **** gave Pakistan hope and briefly brought the third Test to life.
But it was too late to change the outcome of the series.
Pakistan have now lost 16 of their 21 Tests. Their difficult tour was followed by major changes, with seven players replaced in the squad after the second Test and coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and his **** istant
It was only the eighth three-match Test series in history to finish without a single individual century. It was also only the second such series in England, after the 1888 Ashes.
England's batting was led by Joe Root, who remained unbeaten on 62 in the third Test, while Jordan **** scored an unbeaten 59 as England chased down 130 with eight wickets in hand.
The result gave England their second 3-0 Test series clean sweep over Pakistan, after their success in the 2022/23 series. It was also England's 15th three-match Test series sweep overall.
For Pakistan, it was their 11th Test series defeat by a 3-0 margin.
England's chase got off to a shocking start when Ben Duckett was dismissed for a duck with the first ball. Emilio Gay then fell later in the same over bowled by Mohammad Abbas.
At 2 for 2, Pakistan had a chance to put England under serious pressure.
But Root settled things down. He survived a major scare when Mohammad Ali bowled him for 23, only for the delivery to be called a no-ball.
It was Ali's 17th no-ball of the series.
Root had another lucky escape when, on 38, he edged Abbas between first and second slip. Neither fielder went for the catch.
The England batter made Pakistan pay for the missed opportunities. He went on to complete his 110th score of 50 or more in Test cricket, including 41 centuries.
Jordan **** provided excellent support for Root as the pair took control of the chase.
Cox remained unbeaten on 59 and helped England reach the target in just 25 overs.
Pakistan had shown plenty of fight in the third Test after conceding a massive 320-run first-innings lead. But England's dominance in the first two Tests meant the series was already heavily tilted in their favour.
Had Pakistan shown the same fight earlier in the series, the contest could have been much closer.
England's fast bowlers were the biggest difference between the two sides.
Ollie Robinson led the attack and finished the series with 21 wickets. Jofra Archer, Josh Tongue and Gus Atkinson also played important roles as England's pace attack made the most of helpful conditions.
The batting, however, was less convincing.
No England batter scored a century across the three Tests, making the series only the eighth three-match Test series without an individual hundred and just the second in England after the 1888 Ashes.
Pakistan's biggest positive came from debutant Razaullah, who produced an exciting counter-attack at Edgbaston.
His thrilling 81 off 63 **** gave Pakistan hope and briefly brought the third Test to life.
But it was too late to change the outcome of the series.
Pakistan have now lost 16 of their 21 Tests. Their difficult tour was followed by major changes, with seven players replaced in the squad after the second Test and coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and his **** istant
5 days ago
Joe Root led England to a 3-0 Test series whitewash over Pakistan after scoring an unbeaten 62 in the third Test at Edgbaston. England were chasing 130 for victory but got off to a poor start. Ben Duckett was dismissed by Mohammad Abbas with the first ball of the innings, while opener Emilio Gay also fell later in the same over.
At 2 for 2, Pakistan had a chance to put England under pressure. But Root and Jordan **** remained calm and slowly took control of the chase.
It was the first time England had whitewashed Pakistan in a home Test series.
Root survived a big scare when Mohammad Ali bowled him for 23, only for the delivery to be called a no-ball. It was Ali's 17th no-ball of the series.
Pakistan then missed another opportunity when Root, on 38, edged Abbas between first and second slip. Neither fielder went for the catch.
Root made Pakistan pay for the missed chances. His unbeaten 62 was his 110th Test innings of 50 or more, a tally that includes 41 centuries.
Cox remained unbeaten on 59 as England reached the target in the 25th over with eight wickets in hand.
Pakistan had shown more fight in the third Test after conceding a huge 320-run first-innings deficit.
Root said the difficult chase was useful for England after Pakistan had put them under pressure.
"Fair play to Pakistan, ?they threw some punches last night. They made it very difficult for us and in some ways it's a good thing to go through that," said Root.
"Test cricket is not always going to go your own way but to see us actually be quite clinical with the bat off the back of that was good too. So ?in many ways we're better for it.
"Of course there's things we will want to improve on but we ?came into this ?series with a lot of question marks and a lot of noise around the team and we've walked away 3-0 winners so ?in that respect I'm quite ?pleased."
The series came after a difficult period for England, who had been looking to recover from their defeat to New Zealand following the Ashes loss.
Root's return to the captaincy after Ben Stokes' retirement from international cricket ended with a series whitewash.
Pakistan had one major positive in the third Test. Debutant Razaullah scored an impressive 81 off 63 **** , giving his team hope and bringing energy to the contest at Edgbaston.
England's fast bowlers were once again too strong for Pakistan on helpful surfaces.
Ollie Robinson led the attack and finished the series with 21 wickets to be named England's player of the series.
"I'm a realist, I know it's not always going to be like this," said Robinson, England's player of the series.
"We know there's ?going to be tougher times ahead. We have some tough opposition coming up and we're looking forward to the challenge."
Jofra Archer, Josh Tongue and Gus Atkinson also played important roles in England's dominant series win.
England's batting was less convincing, with no batter managing to score a century in the three Tests.
At 2 for 2, Pakistan had a chance to put England under pressure. But Root and Jordan **** remained calm and slowly took control of the chase.
It was the first time England had whitewashed Pakistan in a home Test series.
Root survived a big scare when Mohammad Ali bowled him for 23, only for the delivery to be called a no-ball. It was Ali's 17th no-ball of the series.
Pakistan then missed another opportunity when Root, on 38, edged Abbas between first and second slip. Neither fielder went for the catch.
Root made Pakistan pay for the missed chances. His unbeaten 62 was his 110th Test innings of 50 or more, a tally that includes 41 centuries.
Cox remained unbeaten on 59 as England reached the target in the 25th over with eight wickets in hand.
Pakistan had shown more fight in the third Test after conceding a huge 320-run first-innings deficit.
Root said the difficult chase was useful for England after Pakistan had put them under pressure.
"Fair play to Pakistan, ?they threw some punches last night. They made it very difficult for us and in some ways it's a good thing to go through that," said Root.
"Test cricket is not always going to go your own way but to see us actually be quite clinical with the bat off the back of that was good too. So ?in many ways we're better for it.
"Of course there's things we will want to improve on but we ?came into this ?series with a lot of question marks and a lot of noise around the team and we've walked away 3-0 winners so ?in that respect I'm quite ?pleased."
The series came after a difficult period for England, who had been looking to recover from their defeat to New Zealand following the Ashes loss.
Root's return to the captaincy after Ben Stokes' retirement from international cricket ended with a series whitewash.
Pakistan had one major positive in the third Test. Debutant Razaullah scored an impressive 81 off 63 **** , giving his team hope and bringing energy to the contest at Edgbaston.
England's fast bowlers were once again too strong for Pakistan on helpful surfaces.
Ollie Robinson led the attack and finished the series with 21 wickets to be named England's player of the series.
"I'm a realist, I know it's not always going to be like this," said Robinson, England's player of the series.
"We know there's ?going to be tougher times ahead. We have some tough opposition coming up and we're looking forward to the challenge."
Jofra Archer, Josh Tongue and Gus Atkinson also played important roles in England's dominant series win.
England's batting was less convincing, with no batter managing to score a century in the three Tests.
5 days ago
England have wrapped up victory over Pakistan in the third Test by eight wickets to seal a 3-0 series win.
Here's how the players rated at Edgbaston.
Emilio Gay - 6 - A gritty Test-best of 60 in tricky batting conditions in the first innings looked to have gone some way towards securing his place on the plane for a winter tour of South Africa, only for a duck next time round to bring back some uncertainty. (Series - 6)
Ben Duckett - 2 - A miserable end to the summer for the opener who will now come under some scrutiny. Made 11 and zero in this match and finishes this three-Test series well down the averages with a disappointing 44 runs at 8.8. (Series - 2)
Jordan **** - 7 - A cheap dismissal in the first innings but made a nerveless unbeaten 59 to take the sting out of Pakistan after a wobble in the chase. A particularly impressive effort with the gloves - taking five dismissals - after being called upon to keep following Jamie Smith's injury may have given the selectors food for thought in the role. (Series - 7)
#england #edgbaston #south
Here's how the players rated at Edgbaston.
Emilio Gay - 6 - A gritty Test-best of 60 in tricky batting conditions in the first innings looked to have gone some way towards securing his place on the plane for a winter tour of South Africa, only for a duck next time round to bring back some uncertainty. (Series - 6)
Ben Duckett - 2 - A miserable end to the summer for the opener who will now come under some scrutiny. Made 11 and zero in this match and finishes this three-Test series well down the averages with a disappointing 44 runs at 8.8. (Series - 2)
Jordan **** - 7 - A cheap dismissal in the first innings but made a nerveless unbeaten 59 to take the sting out of Pakistan after a wobble in the chase. A particularly impressive effort with the gloves - taking five dismissals - after being called upon to keep following Jamie Smith's injury may have given the selectors food for thought in the role. (Series - 7)
#england #edgbaston #south
5 days ago
Third Rothesay Test, Edgbaston (day four of five)
Pakistan 133 (Tongue 4-42) & 449 (Masood 95, Razaullah 81, Babar 76, Awais 59)
England 453 (Brook 75, Smith 69, Lawrence 65, Gay 60, Robinson 50; Razaullah 4-148) & 130-2 (Root 62*, ****** 59*)
England won by eight wickets, won series 3-0
Scorecard
#england #babar
Pakistan 133 (Tongue 4-42) & 449 (Masood 95, Razaullah 81, Babar 76, Awais 59)
England 453 (Brook 75, Smith 69, Lawrence 65, Gay 60, Robinson 50; Razaullah 4-148) & 130-2 (Root 62*, ****** 59*)
England won by eight wickets, won series 3-0
Scorecard
#england #babar
5 days ago
India's next Test **** ignment will take them to New Zealand for a two-match series beginning November 19, and former Kiwi fast bowler Trent Boult believes KL Rahul will be one of the Indian batters worth watching closely.
The two Tests will form part of India's marathon New Zealand tour, which begins on October 22 and features 12 matches across the three formats. With India needing a strong result to remain in contention for the World Test Championship (WTC) final, the spotlight is expected to fall on several key players, including captain Shubman Gill and pace spearhead Jasprit **** rah.
Boult, however, has picked Rahul and his opening partner Yashasvi Jaiswal as the two Indian batters he is particularly looking forward to seeing in action.
"I'm always a big fan of KL Rahul and his style of batsmanship. So he's a big player at the top of the order for the Indian side. And yeah, I believe Jaiswal is there as well. Two classy batters to see bat. So yeah, be interesting to see," Boult said in an interview to PTI.
The timing of the series could make conditions particularly interesting. Unlike India's previous Test tours of New Zealand, which have often taken place in the February-March window, this series will be played in late October and November.
Boult feels the timing could bring colder weather into play, while he is hoping the New Zealand pitches retain some grass and offer **** istance to the home attack.
"It's always an exciting chance when the Indian team comes down to play Test cricket in New Zealand," Boult said.
"The only thing I can see happening is it's going to be late October. I believe, just coming out of winter. So it's going to be quite cold. Hopefully, there's a bit of greenness in the wickets for some of our bowlers. It's going to be a good series, I'm sure," the star former Kiwi pacer added.
Boult also backed the current New Zealand bowling unit to make an impact against India, pointing to the variety available to the team.
Kyle Jamieson, Matt Henry, Nathan Smith and Will O'Rourke bring different qualities to the attack, and Boult believes that gives New Zealand enough options to develop its own identity.
"I think the bowling is very well balanced. It's got bases covered in terms of a good pace, obviously, with Will O'Rourke. Obviously, a bit of swing and a bit of bounce from Kyle Jamieson and Matt Henry with his accuracy.
"So yeah, I think the way me, Tim (Southee) and Wags (Neil Wagner) did it over the years was a unique way in itself. But there's other strengths and other game plans that our younger bowlers can follow," Boult further said.
134121390
#test
The two Tests will form part of India's marathon New Zealand tour, which begins on October 22 and features 12 matches across the three formats. With India needing a strong result to remain in contention for the World Test Championship (WTC) final, the spotlight is expected to fall on several key players, including captain Shubman Gill and pace spearhead Jasprit **** rah.
Boult, however, has picked Rahul and his opening partner Yashasvi Jaiswal as the two Indian batters he is particularly looking forward to seeing in action.
"I'm always a big fan of KL Rahul and his style of batsmanship. So he's a big player at the top of the order for the Indian side. And yeah, I believe Jaiswal is there as well. Two classy batters to see bat. So yeah, be interesting to see," Boult said in an interview to PTI.
The timing of the series could make conditions particularly interesting. Unlike India's previous Test tours of New Zealand, which have often taken place in the February-March window, this series will be played in late October and November.
Boult feels the timing could bring colder weather into play, while he is hoping the New Zealand pitches retain some grass and offer **** istance to the home attack.
"It's always an exciting chance when the Indian team comes down to play Test cricket in New Zealand," Boult said.
"The only thing I can see happening is it's going to be late October. I believe, just coming out of winter. So it's going to be quite cold. Hopefully, there's a bit of greenness in the wickets for some of our bowlers. It's going to be a good series, I'm sure," the star former Kiwi pacer added.
Boult also backed the current New Zealand bowling unit to make an impact against India, pointing to the variety available to the team.
Kyle Jamieson, Matt Henry, Nathan Smith and Will O'Rourke bring different qualities to the attack, and Boult believes that gives New Zealand enough options to develop its own identity.
"I think the bowling is very well balanced. It's got bases covered in terms of a good pace, obviously, with Will O'Rourke. Obviously, a bit of swing and a bit of bounce from Kyle Jamieson and Matt Henry with his accuracy.
"So yeah, I think the way me, Tim (Southee) and Wags (Neil Wagner) did it over the years was a unique way in itself. But there's other strengths and other game plans that our younger bowlers can follow," Boult further said.
134121390
#test
6 days ago
NEW DELHI: Mohammed Shami may be in the latter phase of his career, but the veteran pacer believes young Indian cricketers are arriving with a level of maturity that means they need less coaching and more timely guidance.
Shami, who has not played for India since March 2025 and last featured in a Test during the World Test Championship final against Australia at The Oval in 2023, spoke about mentoring youngsters after helping East Zone win the Duleep Trophy final against South Zone.
Among those who caught his attention was Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, the teenage batter who was part of the East Zone squad.
"I thoroughly enjoyed it. The kid in our team (Vaibhav Sooryavanshi) is literally as old as my career. He has that youthful innocence, loves to joke around, and absorbs things quickly," Shami said.
The 36-year-old believes the exposure young players receive today, particularly through the IPL and other high-pressure competitions, has accelerated their development.
"But most of these youngsters are already quite mature. With the level of cricket they play today—featuring in the IPL and other high-pressure tournaments—maturity comes early, so you don't need to over-coach them," he said.
"But yes, when the game gets tight and challenging, that's when you step in with tactical inputs and remind them to keep fighting," he added.
Shami's own motivation, meanwhile, remains undiminished despite his prolonged absence from India colours.
"There are plenty of reasons to stay motivated if you look for them. At this level, if you aren't self-motivated, your approach is wrong. No matter what stage you're playing at, your eyes must always be set on the next level," he said.
Shami took two important wickets, dismissing Ravichandran Smaran and Sheikh Rasheed, as East Zone secured the Duleep Trophy ******* le on the basis of a first-innings lead. The triumph also coincided with his 100th first-class appearance.
"As far as satisfaction goes, achieving this in my 100th match—and that too in a winning Duleep Trophy final—is special. East Zone has won this after a very long time. You've seen how we performed.
"Every single boy put his heart and soul into this campaign to get us here. To achieve this in these conditions, in this heat, is outstanding. As for me, whether it's your first match or your 100th, it doesn't matter—the effort and the approach remain exactly the same," he said.
Shami also stressed that the level of cricket does not change his approach.
"When you wear that crest on your chest, the level of cricket doesn't matter. If you play for the badge, that hunger will naturally show. Your willingness to fight only grows when you play with that pride.
"My mindset is simple: whichever level I get an opportunity to play, I want to make it count and fulfil my responsibility toward the team," he said.
134048551
#shami #trophy #play #Cricket
Shami, who has not played for India since March 2025 and last featured in a Test during the World Test Championship final against Australia at The Oval in 2023, spoke about mentoring youngsters after helping East Zone win the Duleep Trophy final against South Zone.
Among those who caught his attention was Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, the teenage batter who was part of the East Zone squad.
"I thoroughly enjoyed it. The kid in our team (Vaibhav Sooryavanshi) is literally as old as my career. He has that youthful innocence, loves to joke around, and absorbs things quickly," Shami said.
The 36-year-old believes the exposure young players receive today, particularly through the IPL and other high-pressure competitions, has accelerated their development.
"But most of these youngsters are already quite mature. With the level of cricket they play today—featuring in the IPL and other high-pressure tournaments—maturity comes early, so you don't need to over-coach them," he said.
"But yes, when the game gets tight and challenging, that's when you step in with tactical inputs and remind them to keep fighting," he added.
Shami's own motivation, meanwhile, remains undiminished despite his prolonged absence from India colours.
"There are plenty of reasons to stay motivated if you look for them. At this level, if you aren't self-motivated, your approach is wrong. No matter what stage you're playing at, your eyes must always be set on the next level," he said.
Shami took two important wickets, dismissing Ravichandran Smaran and Sheikh Rasheed, as East Zone secured the Duleep Trophy ******* le on the basis of a first-innings lead. The triumph also coincided with his 100th first-class appearance.
"As far as satisfaction goes, achieving this in my 100th match—and that too in a winning Duleep Trophy final—is special. East Zone has won this after a very long time. You've seen how we performed.
"Every single boy put his heart and soul into this campaign to get us here. To achieve this in these conditions, in this heat, is outstanding. As for me, whether it's your first match or your 100th, it doesn't matter—the effort and the approach remain exactly the same," he said.
Shami also stressed that the level of cricket does not change his approach.
"When you wear that crest on your chest, the level of cricket doesn't matter. If you play for the badge, that hunger will naturally show. Your willingness to fight only grows when you play with that pride.
"My mindset is simple: whichever level I get an opportunity to play, I want to make it count and fulfil my responsibility toward the team," he said.
134048551
#shami #trophy #play #Cricket
7 days ago
Rothesay County Championship, Division One, County Ground, Hove (day three)
Sussex 393: Tear 89, Simpson 61, Carter 59; Chahar 4-97, Worrall 2-60
Surrey 294-7: Lomror 58, Patel 55, Foakes 54; Hunt 3-65
Surrey (4 pts) trail Sussex (5 pts) by 99 runs with three wickets remaining
Match scorecard
#ground
Sussex 393: Tear 89, Simpson 61, Carter 59; Chahar 4-97, Worrall 2-60
Surrey 294-7: Lomror 58, Patel 55, Foakes 54; Hunt 3-65
Surrey (4 pts) trail Sussex (5 pts) by 99 runs with three wickets remaining
Match scorecard
#ground
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9 days ago
India continue to make their presence felt at the top of the Women's T20I bowling rankings, with Sree Charani holding on to the No. 1 spot and Deepti Sharma making a two-place jump to sixth following her strong showing at the Asia Cup 2026.
Deepti has been one of India's standout performers in the tournament, claiming eight wickets in three matches as the team booked its place in the semi-finals.
The right-arm spinner's consistent performances have earned her a significant rise in the latest rankings. Deepti, who had previously reached the top spot in December last year, is now within 60 rating points of Charani. Sophie Ecclestone, Charlie Dean, Nonkululeko Mlaba and Lauren Bell are the four bowlers positioned between the two Indian stars.
With Charani and Deepti occupying the top two positions, India continues to dominate the upper reaches of the T20I bowling rankings.
Several players also made significant gains in the latest T20I rankings after their performances at the Asia Cup. Bangladesh's Marufa Akter was among the biggest movers, climbing 19 places to 18th in the bowling rankings. Chamari Athapaththu moved up five spots to 28th, while Sultana Khatun gained nine places to share 37th.
Thailand's Thipatcha Putthawong rose four places to 47th, while teammate Suleeporn Laomi jumped 10 spots to 53rd. There were also gains among Bangladesh's batters, with Sobhana Mostary moving up three places to 36th and Dilara Akter climbing five spots to 62nd.
The latest ODI rankings also saw notable movement following England's home series against Ireland. Stand-in England captain Charlie Dean moved up one place to jointly occupy ninth in the ODI all-rounders' rankings. She also climbed two spots to share 11th among ODI bowlers after taking three wickets in the three-match series.
England's Lauren Filer made an impressive 14-place jump to 39th, while Ireland's Cara Murray rose 16 places to 50th in the ODI bowling rankings.
Ireland youngster Amy Hunter emerged as the biggest winner among ODI batters, moving up nine places to 11th. England's Maia Bouchier climbed 13 spots to 42nd, while Sophia Dunkley made an even bigger leap of 26 places to reach 43rd.
#rankings #places #three #latest
Deepti has been one of India's standout performers in the tournament, claiming eight wickets in three matches as the team booked its place in the semi-finals.
The right-arm spinner's consistent performances have earned her a significant rise in the latest rankings. Deepti, who had previously reached the top spot in December last year, is now within 60 rating points of Charani. Sophie Ecclestone, Charlie Dean, Nonkululeko Mlaba and Lauren Bell are the four bowlers positioned between the two Indian stars.
With Charani and Deepti occupying the top two positions, India continues to dominate the upper reaches of the T20I bowling rankings.
Several players also made significant gains in the latest T20I rankings after their performances at the Asia Cup. Bangladesh's Marufa Akter was among the biggest movers, climbing 19 places to 18th in the bowling rankings. Chamari Athapaththu moved up five spots to 28th, while Sultana Khatun gained nine places to share 37th.
Thailand's Thipatcha Putthawong rose four places to 47th, while teammate Suleeporn Laomi jumped 10 spots to 53rd. There were also gains among Bangladesh's batters, with Sobhana Mostary moving up three places to 36th and Dilara Akter climbing five spots to 62nd.
The latest ODI rankings also saw notable movement following England's home series against Ireland. Stand-in England captain Charlie Dean moved up one place to jointly occupy ninth in the ODI all-rounders' rankings. She also climbed two spots to share 11th among ODI bowlers after taking three wickets in the three-match series.
England's Lauren Filer made an impressive 14-place jump to 39th, while Ireland's Cara Murray rose 16 places to 50th in the ODI bowling rankings.
Ireland youngster Amy Hunter emerged as the biggest winner among ODI batters, moving up nine places to 11th. England's Maia Bouchier climbed 13 spots to 42nd, while Sophia Dunkley made an even bigger leap of 26 places to reach 43rd.
#rankings #places #three #latest
9 days ago
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi may have been among the early contributors for East Zone in the Duleep Trophy final, but it was captain Ishan Kishan who eventually stole the show with a breathtaking double century against South Zone at the MA Chidambaram Stadium.
Sooryavanshi opened the innings for East Zone and made a brisk 44 off 37 deliveries. During the match, former India cricketer and commentator Vivek Razdan used Kishan's remarkable innings to offer some advice to the teenage batter.
"Sooryavanshi sahab, now you have to learn from players like Ishan Kishan. Once you are set, you have to learn how to play a long innings," Razdan said on commentary.
The message came as Kishan continued to pile on the runs and turn the final into a one-sided contest.
Resuming on 385/4, East Zone's batters showed little sign of slowing down. South Zone turned to the new ball in search of wickets, but Mohammad Siraj and MD Nidheesh struggled to make an impact.
Kishan immediately put pressure on the bowlers, collecting consecutive boundaries against Siraj before taking on Nidheesh. ***** ar Kushagra also joined the ***** ault as South Zone rotated between pace and spin.
Kushagra eventually completed his sixth first-class century, scoring 101 from 132 ***** with eight fours and five sixes. His dismissal shortly before lunch finally gave South Zone a breakthrough.
Kishan, meanwhile, remained in complete control.
The East Zone captain repeatedly found gaps in the field and punished anything loose. Even when South Zone introduced part-timers Devdutt Padikkal and Shaikh Rasheed, the flow of runs did not stop.
Kishan brought up his double century from 270 ***** and continued attacking thereafter. He raced beyond 250 before fatigue briefly forced him to retire from the field.
East Zone continued marching towards a massive total, eventually crossing 600 and then 700. When Mohammed Shami was dismissed for a quick 28, Kishan returned to the crease with the possibility of reaching an extraordinary triple century.
Kishan's pursuit of 300 ultimately came to an end when he was caught near the long-on boundary. The left-hander departed for a monumental 270 from 334 ***** , having smashed 30 fours and seven sixes.
His innings was the eighth-highest individual score in Duleep Trophy history and formed the backbone of East Zone's mammoth 708 all out.
Razdan had earlier highlighted not just the quality of Kishan's batting but also the physical demands of staying at the crease for such an extended period.
"Every person who is present here at this time stood up and applauded this innings. Because this is not just technique, this is not just temperament, this is also match fitness. To stay out there for so long in such heat and play an innings like this. What an innings by Ishan Kishan."
Kishan's marathon effort, alongside Kushagra's century, ensured East Zone posted more than 700 for only the third time in first-class cricket history at Chepauk.
Sooryavanshi opened the innings for East Zone and made a brisk 44 off 37 deliveries. During the match, former India cricketer and commentator Vivek Razdan used Kishan's remarkable innings to offer some advice to the teenage batter.
"Sooryavanshi sahab, now you have to learn from players like Ishan Kishan. Once you are set, you have to learn how to play a long innings," Razdan said on commentary.
The message came as Kishan continued to pile on the runs and turn the final into a one-sided contest.
Resuming on 385/4, East Zone's batters showed little sign of slowing down. South Zone turned to the new ball in search of wickets, but Mohammad Siraj and MD Nidheesh struggled to make an impact.
Kishan immediately put pressure on the bowlers, collecting consecutive boundaries against Siraj before taking on Nidheesh. ***** ar Kushagra also joined the ***** ault as South Zone rotated between pace and spin.
Kushagra eventually completed his sixth first-class century, scoring 101 from 132 ***** with eight fours and five sixes. His dismissal shortly before lunch finally gave South Zone a breakthrough.
Kishan, meanwhile, remained in complete control.
The East Zone captain repeatedly found gaps in the field and punished anything loose. Even when South Zone introduced part-timers Devdutt Padikkal and Shaikh Rasheed, the flow of runs did not stop.
Kishan brought up his double century from 270 ***** and continued attacking thereafter. He raced beyond 250 before fatigue briefly forced him to retire from the field.
East Zone continued marching towards a massive total, eventually crossing 600 and then 700. When Mohammed Shami was dismissed for a quick 28, Kishan returned to the crease with the possibility of reaching an extraordinary triple century.
Kishan's pursuit of 300 ultimately came to an end when he was caught near the long-on boundary. The left-hander departed for a monumental 270 from 334 ***** , having smashed 30 fours and seven sixes.
His innings was the eighth-highest individual score in Duleep Trophy history and formed the backbone of East Zone's mammoth 708 all out.
Razdan had earlier highlighted not just the quality of Kishan's batting but also the physical demands of staying at the crease for such an extended period.
"Every person who is present here at this time stood up and applauded this innings. Because this is not just technique, this is not just temperament, this is also match fitness. To stay out there for so long in such heat and play an innings like this. What an innings by Ishan Kishan."
Kishan's marathon effort, alongside Kushagra's century, ensured East Zone posted more than 700 for only the third time in first-class cricket history at Chepauk.
9 days ago
Former Pakistan spinner Saeed Ajmal has launched another scathing attack on the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), accusing the governing body of playing a major role in the national team's recent struggles.
Ajmal, who claimed 362 wickets across international cricket for Pakistan before his career was brought to an early end by an issue with his bowling action, has repeatedly expressed his frustration with the PCB. The former spinner has maintained that the board failed to support him during a difficult phase of his career.
His latest criticism comes after Pakistan suffered another heavy defeat against England in the Lord's Test. Following the loss, the PCB made a series of sweeping changes, sacking head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul while also sending seven players back home.
Among those sent back was Imam-ul-Haq, who did not bat in either innings and was subsequently accused of faking his calf injury.
PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi later attempted to defend the players and urged critics to stop demotivating the team. Ajmal, however, questioned the sincerity of that message and instead accused the board itself of undermining Pakistan's cricketers.
"The board itself has demotivated the players more than anyone else. The board is not letting any player stand. There are players who have done well, who have also been dropped. There are players who have been humiliated by the PCB," Ajmal said.
The former Pakistan spinner also directed his criticism towards Director High Performance and selector Aaqib Javed and white-ball head coach Mike Hesson.
With Hesson also asked to take charge of the Test side for the third match against England, Ajmal claimed the pair have significant control over Pakistan cricket and held them responsible for the team's current situation.
"Aaqib Javed and Mike Hesson (who has been asked to take over the Test team for the third Test) are a team. These two are controlling everything and are responsible for this whole mess. The whole issue is about egos," Ajmal said on Samaa TV.
Ajmal further criticised the PCB's long-term planning, claiming Pakistan's cricket structure had regressed considerably.
"Our team has gone back 10 years. We have not planned for the future," he added.
Pakistan have already surrendered the Test series against England and are now facing the prospect of a clean sweep. The third and final Test is scheduled to begin at Edgbaston on Wednesday, with Hesson set to take charge of the Test side.
Naqvi, meanwhile, had earlier attempted to explain the reasoning behind the PCB's decision to make such extensive changes after the Lord's defeat.
Speaking to Geo Network, the PCB chairman insisted that the decisions were not motivated by personal issues and said the board had little choice when players were not producing results.
"Every match of a series is important for us, and we are not left with any option if a player is not performing but to look for his replacement. The
Ajmal, who claimed 362 wickets across international cricket for Pakistan before his career was brought to an early end by an issue with his bowling action, has repeatedly expressed his frustration with the PCB. The former spinner has maintained that the board failed to support him during a difficult phase of his career.
His latest criticism comes after Pakistan suffered another heavy defeat against England in the Lord's Test. Following the loss, the PCB made a series of sweeping changes, sacking head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul while also sending seven players back home.
Among those sent back was Imam-ul-Haq, who did not bat in either innings and was subsequently accused of faking his calf injury.
PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi later attempted to defend the players and urged critics to stop demotivating the team. Ajmal, however, questioned the sincerity of that message and instead accused the board itself of undermining Pakistan's cricketers.
"The board itself has demotivated the players more than anyone else. The board is not letting any player stand. There are players who have done well, who have also been dropped. There are players who have been humiliated by the PCB," Ajmal said.
The former Pakistan spinner also directed his criticism towards Director High Performance and selector Aaqib Javed and white-ball head coach Mike Hesson.
With Hesson also asked to take charge of the Test side for the third match against England, Ajmal claimed the pair have significant control over Pakistan cricket and held them responsible for the team's current situation.
"Aaqib Javed and Mike Hesson (who has been asked to take over the Test team for the third Test) are a team. These two are controlling everything and are responsible for this whole mess. The whole issue is about egos," Ajmal said on Samaa TV.
Ajmal further criticised the PCB's long-term planning, claiming Pakistan's cricket structure had regressed considerably.
"Our team has gone back 10 years. We have not planned for the future," he added.
Pakistan have already surrendered the Test series against England and are now facing the prospect of a clean sweep. The third and final Test is scheduled to begin at Edgbaston on Wednesday, with Hesson set to take charge of the Test side.
Naqvi, meanwhile, had earlier attempted to explain the reasoning behind the PCB's decision to make such extensive changes after the Lord's defeat.
Speaking to Geo Network, the PCB chairman insisted that the decisions were not motivated by personal issues and said the board had little choice when players were not producing results.
"Every match of a series is important for us, and we are not left with any option if a player is not performing but to look for his replacement. The
11 days ago
Shikhar Mohan, Jharkhand batter credited captain Ishan Kishan's constant guidance after making an impressive 85 on his Duleep Trophy debut against South Zone in the 2026/27 final.
Mohan, who came into the East Zone XI as a replacement for Jharkhand teammate Virat Singh, played a key role in rebuilding the innings after the early wickets. He added 94 runs for the third wicket with Kishan, helping East Zone recover and take control on the opening day.
Kishan remained unbeaten on 111 at stumps, while ******* ar Kushagra was not out on 63 as East Zone finished the day on 385/4 in 79 overs.
"Ishan bhaiya was giving me a lot of advice while batting. He was telling me what shot is on and what is not. Thanks to that, we had a great partnership," Mohan told reporters after play.
Mohan earned his place in the East Zone side after an outstanding debut Ranji Trophy season, where he scored 613 runs at an average of 55.72. Although primarily an opener, he had no issues adapting to the No. 3 position with Abhimanyu Easwaran and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi opening for East Zone.
"My journey has been very good so far. My first season in Ranji Trophy went very well, so coming into this match, I just wanted to carry that forward. I was looking to maintain that form from the Ranji Trophy," he said.
Mohan also accepted the challenge of facing South Zone's short-ball strategy, with five fielders stationed on the leg side. He showed patience before eventually falling to Chama Milind after an inside edge off a bouncer.
"The plan was that I would leave the ball first, and when they get tired, they will give me chances to score runs. I made a poor decision and got out," he admitted.
The youngster also felt his experience in the Jharkhand T20 League helped him handle the pressure of playing in front of a sizeable crowd at the MA Chidambaram Stadium.
"I think it helped a lot. The crowds there were also very good, so today when there was a big crowd, it felt normal to me," Mohan said.
#east #ranji
Mohan, who came into the East Zone XI as a replacement for Jharkhand teammate Virat Singh, played a key role in rebuilding the innings after the early wickets. He added 94 runs for the third wicket with Kishan, helping East Zone recover and take control on the opening day.
Kishan remained unbeaten on 111 at stumps, while ******* ar Kushagra was not out on 63 as East Zone finished the day on 385/4 in 79 overs.
"Ishan bhaiya was giving me a lot of advice while batting. He was telling me what shot is on and what is not. Thanks to that, we had a great partnership," Mohan told reporters after play.
Mohan earned his place in the East Zone side after an outstanding debut Ranji Trophy season, where he scored 613 runs at an average of 55.72. Although primarily an opener, he had no issues adapting to the No. 3 position with Abhimanyu Easwaran and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi opening for East Zone.
"My journey has been very good so far. My first season in Ranji Trophy went very well, so coming into this match, I just wanted to carry that forward. I was looking to maintain that form from the Ranji Trophy," he said.
Mohan also accepted the challenge of facing South Zone's short-ball strategy, with five fielders stationed on the leg side. He showed patience before eventually falling to Chama Milind after an inside edge off a bouncer.
"The plan was that I would leave the ball first, and when they get tired, they will give me chances to score runs. I made a poor decision and got out," he admitted.
The youngster also felt his experience in the Jharkhand T20 League helped him handle the pressure of playing in front of a sizeable crowd at the MA Chidambaram Stadium.
"I think it helped a lot. The crowds there were also very good, so today when there was a big crowd, it felt normal to me," Mohan said.
#east #ranji
11 days ago
Ishan Kishan led from the front with a superb unbeaten century as East Zone finished Day 1 of the Duleep Trophy 2026 final on 385/4 against South Zone at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Sunday.
After winning the toss and opting to bat, Kishan anchored a strong batting display from East Zone, scoring 111 not out off 135 ****** . His innings featured 14 fours and two sixes as he took control of the contest in the final session.
Kishan found an excellent partner in ****** ar Kushagra, who remained unbeaten on 63 off 75 ****** . The pair added an unbeaten 144-run partnership for the fifth wicket off 160 ****** , completely taking the game away from South Zone towards the end of the day.
East Zone made a solid start through Abhimanyu Easwaran (72) and teenage batter Vaibhav Sooryavanshi (44). Easwaran and Sooryavanshi gave the side a strong platform before both departed. Sudip ****** ar Gharami was then dismissed for 6, bringing Shikhar Mohan to the crease. Mohan played a composed knock of 85 off 120 ****** , helping East Zone build another important partnership before Chama Milind ended his innings at 241/4.
That dismissal brought Kishan and Kushagra together, and the pair ensured there were no further setbacks.
Kishan accelerated as the innings progressed and brought up his century in style, remaining unbeaten at the close. His knock was particularly important given his role as captain, with East Zone now firmly in control after the opening day.
South Zone's bowling attack found little ****** istance from a placid batting surface, while the bowlers also struggled with consistency. Chama Milind was the most successful bowler, finishing the day with figures of 2/56 from 13 overs. Tripurana Vijay picked up one wicket but conceded 114 runs from his 22 overs.
Mohammed Siraj, meanwhile, went wicketless despite bowling 14 overs and conceded 96 runs. East Zone also benefited from a late surge, scoring 74 runs without losing a wicket in the final 10 overs. Kishan and Kushagra's partnership allowed them to finish the day strongly at 385/4.
With Kishan unbeaten on 111 and Kushagra on 63, East Zone will resume on Day 2 with an opportunity to push towards a total of 400 and beyond. South Zone, meanwhile, will desperately need early wickets with the second new ball to prevent East Zone from building an even bigger first-innings total.
#balls
After winning the toss and opting to bat, Kishan anchored a strong batting display from East Zone, scoring 111 not out off 135 ****** . His innings featured 14 fours and two sixes as he took control of the contest in the final session.
Kishan found an excellent partner in ****** ar Kushagra, who remained unbeaten on 63 off 75 ****** . The pair added an unbeaten 144-run partnership for the fifth wicket off 160 ****** , completely taking the game away from South Zone towards the end of the day.
East Zone made a solid start through Abhimanyu Easwaran (72) and teenage batter Vaibhav Sooryavanshi (44). Easwaran and Sooryavanshi gave the side a strong platform before both departed. Sudip ****** ar Gharami was then dismissed for 6, bringing Shikhar Mohan to the crease. Mohan played a composed knock of 85 off 120 ****** , helping East Zone build another important partnership before Chama Milind ended his innings at 241/4.
That dismissal brought Kishan and Kushagra together, and the pair ensured there were no further setbacks.
Kishan accelerated as the innings progressed and brought up his century in style, remaining unbeaten at the close. His knock was particularly important given his role as captain, with East Zone now firmly in control after the opening day.
South Zone's bowling attack found little ****** istance from a placid batting surface, while the bowlers also struggled with consistency. Chama Milind was the most successful bowler, finishing the day with figures of 2/56 from 13 overs. Tripurana Vijay picked up one wicket but conceded 114 runs from his 22 overs.
Mohammed Siraj, meanwhile, went wicketless despite bowling 14 overs and conceded 96 runs. East Zone also benefited from a late surge, scoring 74 runs without losing a wicket in the final 10 overs. Kishan and Kushagra's partnership allowed them to finish the day strongly at 385/4.
With Kishan unbeaten on 111 and Kushagra on 63, East Zone will resume on Day 2 with an opportunity to push towards a total of 400 and beyond. South Zone, meanwhile, will desperately need early wickets with the second new ball to prevent East Zone from building an even bigger first-innings total.
#balls
11 days ago
Metro Bank Women's One Day Cup League Two, Radlett
Glamorgan 94: Gammon 26; Harley 4-27
Middlesex 100-0: Downer 60*, Pindoria 27*
Middlesex beat Glamorgan by 10 wickets
Middlesex Women finished top of the One Day Cup League Two table after thrashing Glamorgan by 10 wickets in a one-sided final group game.
#glamorgan #gammon
Glamorgan 94: Gammon 26; Harley 4-27
Middlesex 100-0: Downer 60*, Pindoria 27*
Middlesex beat Glamorgan by 10 wickets
Middlesex Women finished top of the One Day Cup League Two table after thrashing Glamorgan by 10 wickets in a one-sided final group game.
#glamorgan #gammon
11 days ago
Young left-arm spinner Shree Charani said India's spin bowlers plan their strategy together before matches and then focus on executing it on the field after Indian spinners helped bowl Pakistan out for 55 in their Women's T20 Asia Cup clash.
Charani returned figures of 3/7, while Prema Rawat took 3/9 and Deepti Sharma claimed 2/5 as India's spinners took control of the match. Pakistan were bowled out for their lowest-ever T20I total of 55 before India chased down the target with 68 ***** to spare and registered a seven-wicket win on Saturday.
India had already secured a semifinal place from Group A before the match. They finished top of the group with six points after winning all three games.
Charani, who dismissed Shawaal Zulfiqar, Gull Feroza and Ayesha Zafar, said the team's spin bowlers discuss their plans before every match and then try to follow them on the field.
"In the meeting, we three sit together... Prema, me, Deepti di and Radha (Yadav) di and we discuss what to do (in the match). So, we just try to implement that here (on the field) whatever Deepti and Radha di say," said Charani.
Pakistan had raced to 27 without loss, but Charani struck twice in the sixth over to leave them at 29/3. They could not recover after that and were eventually bowled out for 55.
The 22-year-old is now one wicket away from completing 50 T20I wickets. She said her approach was to keep things simple and concentrate on getting the basics right.
"It's just about myself. Like I just want to focus on my things... I want to do my things correct," she said.
After looking at the pitch and expecting it to help the spinners, Charani said she focused on bowling at the stumps and allowing the pitch to do the rest.
"I just tried to bowl on the stumps. By seeing the pitch, we know it may turn so I just focused on that."
#t20i
Charani returned figures of 3/7, while Prema Rawat took 3/9 and Deepti Sharma claimed 2/5 as India's spinners took control of the match. Pakistan were bowled out for their lowest-ever T20I total of 55 before India chased down the target with 68 ***** to spare and registered a seven-wicket win on Saturday.
India had already secured a semifinal place from Group A before the match. They finished top of the group with six points after winning all three games.
Charani, who dismissed Shawaal Zulfiqar, Gull Feroza and Ayesha Zafar, said the team's spin bowlers discuss their plans before every match and then try to follow them on the field.
"In the meeting, we three sit together... Prema, me, Deepti di and Radha (Yadav) di and we discuss what to do (in the match). So, we just try to implement that here (on the field) whatever Deepti and Radha di say," said Charani.
Pakistan had raced to 27 without loss, but Charani struck twice in the sixth over to leave them at 29/3. They could not recover after that and were eventually bowled out for 55.
The 22-year-old is now one wicket away from completing 50 T20I wickets. She said her approach was to keep things simple and concentrate on getting the basics right.
"It's just about myself. Like I just want to focus on my things... I want to do my things correct," she said.
After looking at the pitch and expecting it to help the spinners, Charani said she focused on bowling at the stumps and allowing the pitch to do the rest.
"I just tried to bowl on the stumps. By seeing the pitch, we know it may turn so I just focused on that."
#t20i
11 days ago
Chennai: Veteran India speedster Mohammed Shami maybe out of India reckoning for now, but he still refuses to give up. When East Zone play South Zone in the Duleep final at the MA Chidambaram Stadium here on Sunday, the 36-year-old will be appearing in his 100th First-Class match, with a prolific record of 382 wickets so far.
East Zone skipper Ishan Kishan was effusive in his praise of the senior bowler on the eve of the **** le clash, stressing that age remains irrelevant when backed by exceptional work ethic and fierce determination.
"For Shami, age is just a number. If he is working hard, it doesn't matter. Having someone like him in our team gives us immense confidence. His approach towards the game, his intensity, and his energy this season have been very different from how I've seen him in the past," Kishan said after a practice session.
Comparing this version of Shami to his sensational 24-wicket run at the 2023 ODI World Cup, Kishan stressed on the pacer's sheer appetite for a national comeback.
"It is 2026 now, three years since that World Cup. It is hard when you are not regularly playing for the Indian team to still summon that same motivation for domestic games...Who better than me can judge hunger right now? I see that hunger and drive in him, he wants to make that comeback and be part of the Indian squad again. You can see it in the way he helps me lead, constantly coming up with strategic options. You can instantly tell when a player is desperate to win you the match," the skipper added.
Kishan also hailed Shami's tireless attitude during East Zone's semifinal victory over Central Zone, where the veteran ran in and picked five wickets in the game.
"He is a legend of the game. Looking at his effort in the semifinal, as a captain, it felt incredible when Shami came up and asked for extra overs to break partnerships. That willingness gives a skipper immense confidence. Plus, he finished with two boundaries in the last game, so he's practically an allrounder nowadays," Kishan quipped.
South Zone captain Tilak Varma acknowledged the massive challenge awaiting his batting unit against Shami's probing spells with the red ball, but they are confident to face him.
"It will be great competition. We are up against a quality bowling attack led by Shami. Facing that calibre of bowling is why you love this sport," Tilak said.
#kishan #skipper #south #Indian
East Zone skipper Ishan Kishan was effusive in his praise of the senior bowler on the eve of the **** le clash, stressing that age remains irrelevant when backed by exceptional work ethic and fierce determination.
"For Shami, age is just a number. If he is working hard, it doesn't matter. Having someone like him in our team gives us immense confidence. His approach towards the game, his intensity, and his energy this season have been very different from how I've seen him in the past," Kishan said after a practice session.
Comparing this version of Shami to his sensational 24-wicket run at the 2023 ODI World Cup, Kishan stressed on the pacer's sheer appetite for a national comeback.
"It is 2026 now, three years since that World Cup. It is hard when you are not regularly playing for the Indian team to still summon that same motivation for domestic games...Who better than me can judge hunger right now? I see that hunger and drive in him, he wants to make that comeback and be part of the Indian squad again. You can see it in the way he helps me lead, constantly coming up with strategic options. You can instantly tell when a player is desperate to win you the match," the skipper added.
Kishan also hailed Shami's tireless attitude during East Zone's semifinal victory over Central Zone, where the veteran ran in and picked five wickets in the game.
"He is a legend of the game. Looking at his effort in the semifinal, as a captain, it felt incredible when Shami came up and asked for extra overs to break partnerships. That willingness gives a skipper immense confidence. Plus, he finished with two boundaries in the last game, so he's practically an allrounder nowadays," Kishan quipped.
South Zone captain Tilak Varma acknowledged the massive challenge awaiting his batting unit against Shami's probing spells with the red ball, but they are confident to face him.
"It will be great competition. We are up against a quality bowling attack led by Shami. Facing that calibre of bowling is why you love this sport," Tilak said.
#kishan #skipper #south #Indian
13 days ago
A major age-fraud crackdown has hit Bengal cricket, with the BCCI suspending leg-spinner Rohit Yadav from domestic cricket for two years after discrepancies were found in his age-related documents.
The action comes shortly after Rohit was picked for India's Under-19 ******* ignments against Australia. The youngster had also featured in India's U-19 tour of Sri Lanka in July, where he took six wickets and helped the team secure victory in the final Test.
Rohit, who hails from Uttar Pradesh, had recently been part of India's U-19 tour of Sri Lanka in July. He claimed six wickets on the tour and played a key role in India's victory in the final Test. The spinner was subsequently selected for India's U-19 home ******* ignments against Australia, with multi-day and one-day matches scheduled to be played in Rajkot and Ahmedabad later this month. However, his selection came under scrutiny after inconsistencies were found in his age-related documents during the Sri Lanka tour.
According to the PTI report, Rohit has three birth certificates that list different years of birth - 2007, 2009 and 2010. The discrepancies make him ineligible for age-group cricket and prompted further verification of his records.
The 19-year-old, who has represented Bengal in age-group cricket, was found to have an age discrepancy of 27 months, according to the CAB. The ban is effective immediately, with all BCCI-affiliated state ******* ociations notified of the decision.
Rohit's case is part of a much wider crackdown by the CAB on age and documentation irregularities. The ******* ociation has declared 62 players ineligible for registration or transfer for competitions during the 2026-27 and 2027-28 seasons.
The CAB has also barred 62 other players over similar age discrepancies. Among them is former India Under-19 World Cup-winning pacer Ravi ******* ar, who played a key role in India's ******* le-winning campaign in the 2022 edition in the Caribbean.
Ravi, a left-arm pacer, made his senior debut for Bengal in 2022 but last featured for the state in 2023. His age-group records from his debut through the 2025-26 season will now be considered invalid. His age discrepancy is understood to be more than 40 months.
133763750
#bengal #lanka #discrepancies
The action comes shortly after Rohit was picked for India's Under-19 ******* ignments against Australia. The youngster had also featured in India's U-19 tour of Sri Lanka in July, where he took six wickets and helped the team secure victory in the final Test.
Rohit, who hails from Uttar Pradesh, had recently been part of India's U-19 tour of Sri Lanka in July. He claimed six wickets on the tour and played a key role in India's victory in the final Test. The spinner was subsequently selected for India's U-19 home ******* ignments against Australia, with multi-day and one-day matches scheduled to be played in Rajkot and Ahmedabad later this month. However, his selection came under scrutiny after inconsistencies were found in his age-related documents during the Sri Lanka tour.
According to the PTI report, Rohit has three birth certificates that list different years of birth - 2007, 2009 and 2010. The discrepancies make him ineligible for age-group cricket and prompted further verification of his records.
The 19-year-old, who has represented Bengal in age-group cricket, was found to have an age discrepancy of 27 months, according to the CAB. The ban is effective immediately, with all BCCI-affiliated state ******* ociations notified of the decision.
Rohit's case is part of a much wider crackdown by the CAB on age and documentation irregularities. The ******* ociation has declared 62 players ineligible for registration or transfer for competitions during the 2026-27 and 2027-28 seasons.
The CAB has also barred 62 other players over similar age discrepancies. Among them is former India Under-19 World Cup-winning pacer Ravi ******* ar, who played a key role in India's ******* le-winning campaign in the 2022 edition in the Caribbean.
Ravi, a left-arm pacer, made his senior debut for Bengal in 2022 but last featured for the state in 2023. His age-group records from his debut through the 2025-26 season will now be considered invalid. His age discrepancy is understood to be more than 40 months.
133763750
#bengal #lanka #discrepancies
14 days ago
Smriti Mandhana's record-breaking 124 and a clinical bowling effort helped India crush Hong Kong by 137 runs in their Women's Asia Cup 2026 clash in Dubai. After posting 193/5, India bowled Hong Kong out for just 56 in 16.2 overs to seal a massive win and book their place in the semi-finals.
Hong Kong won the toss and elected to field, but Mandhana quickly put their decision under pressure. The India opener and Shafali Verma gave their side a strong start, with Verma smashing 28 off 17 ***** before departing.
Wickets began to fall regularly after the opening stand, but Mandhana continued to attack from one end. She reached her half-century in 40 ***** before dramatically increasing the tempo, bringing up her century in just 57 deliveries.
Mandhana finished with a sensational 124 off 64 ***** , hitting 14 fours and seven sixes at a strike rate of 193.75. The innings took her to 18 international centuries, moving her past Meg Lanning's tally of 17 and making her the leading century-maker in women's international cricket.
She also broke Chamari Athapaththu's record for the highest individual score in Women's T20 Asia Cup history, surpassing the Sri Lankan's unbeaten 119.
Mandhana's innings eventually ended in the final over when she was run out after a mix-up with Bharti Fulmali. Her dismissal, however, came after she had already powered India to a formidable 193/5.
Hong Kong's chase never got going as India's spin-heavy attack strangled the batting lineup from the beginning. They slipped to 32/3 and struggled to score freely against India's disciplined bowling.
Deepti Sharma led the attack with 3/9 from three overs, removing key batters Natasha Miles and Yasmin Daswani while keeping the scoring rate under control. Prema Rawat, Nandani Sharma and Shree Charani then continued to chip away at the Hong Kong batting order.
Marina Lamplough offered some resistance with 14, but Shree Charani eventually removed her before the lower order folded quickly. Nandani Sharma claimed two wickets, while Prema Rawat finished with two as India's spinners kept the pressure on.
Hong Kong were eventually bowled out for just 56 in 16.2 overs. Shree Charani completed the victory by stumping Shanzeen Shahzad after a sharp piece of work from Richa Ghosh.
#hong #India #sharma #shree
Hong Kong won the toss and elected to field, but Mandhana quickly put their decision under pressure. The India opener and Shafali Verma gave their side a strong start, with Verma smashing 28 off 17 ***** before departing.
Wickets began to fall regularly after the opening stand, but Mandhana continued to attack from one end. She reached her half-century in 40 ***** before dramatically increasing the tempo, bringing up her century in just 57 deliveries.
Mandhana finished with a sensational 124 off 64 ***** , hitting 14 fours and seven sixes at a strike rate of 193.75. The innings took her to 18 international centuries, moving her past Meg Lanning's tally of 17 and making her the leading century-maker in women's international cricket.
She also broke Chamari Athapaththu's record for the highest individual score in Women's T20 Asia Cup history, surpassing the Sri Lankan's unbeaten 119.
Mandhana's innings eventually ended in the final over when she was run out after a mix-up with Bharti Fulmali. Her dismissal, however, came after she had already powered India to a formidable 193/5.
Hong Kong's chase never got going as India's spin-heavy attack strangled the batting lineup from the beginning. They slipped to 32/3 and struggled to score freely against India's disciplined bowling.
Deepti Sharma led the attack with 3/9 from three overs, removing key batters Natasha Miles and Yasmin Daswani while keeping the scoring rate under control. Prema Rawat, Nandani Sharma and Shree Charani then continued to chip away at the Hong Kong batting order.
Marina Lamplough offered some resistance with 14, but Shree Charani eventually removed her before the lower order folded quickly. Nandani Sharma claimed two wickets, while Prema Rawat finished with two as India's spinners kept the pressure on.
Hong Kong were eventually bowled out for just 56 in 16.2 overs. Shree Charani completed the victory by stumping Shanzeen Shahzad after a sharp piece of work from Richa Ghosh.
#hong #India #sharma #shree
14 days ago
Rothesay County Championship, Division One, The Cooper **** ociates County Ground, Taunton (day two)
Glamorgan 194 & 30-1: Kellaway 51; Pretorius 3-45
Somerset 441: Lammonby 95, Vaughan 68, Thomas 59, Rew 52; Crane 4-95
Glamorgan (3 pts) trail Somerset (7 pts) by 217 runs with nine wickets remaining
Match scorecard
#somerset #taunton
Glamorgan 194 & 30-1: Kellaway 51; Pretorius 3-45
Somerset 441: Lammonby 95, Vaughan 68, Thomas 59, Rew 52; Crane 4-95
Glamorgan (3 pts) trail Somerset (7 pts) by 217 runs with nine wickets remaining
Match scorecard
#somerset #taunton
15 days ago
Ravindra Jadeja has been a mainstay of India's Test team for more than a decade, but former India wicketkeeper-batter Deep Dasgupta believes the time has come for the team to start looking beyond the veteran all-rounder in the longest format.
Jadeja aged 37, finished India's recent two-Test tour of Sri Lanka with eight wickets across four innings. However, Dasgupta felt the Indian spin attack failed to consistently exert pressure on the hosts, particularly on surfaces where the visitors would have expected their spinners to play a major role.
The former India player singled out the second Test in Colombo, where Sri Lanka were forced to follow on but managed to fight back strongly. Sonal Dinusha's century helped the hosts frustrate India and build a substantial lead before the match eventually ended in a draw.
While Jadeja picked up three wickets in Sri Lanka's second innings, Dasgupta felt India needed more penetration from their experienced spinners.
"Apart from Manav, our spinners didn't look as lethal as we expected. I'm not saying there is no ability. On such pitches, Jadeja has always been very destructive and lethal. I thought he would be crucial on the fifth day. He has been a great servant, but it's done now. He was not as accurate as he is. His action is very shoulder-dominant," Dasgupta said on his YouTube channel.
The Sri Lanka series also highlighted an issue with India's bowling discipline, with the spinners repeatedly overstepping. Saransh Jain, making his Test debut in Colombo, bowled four no-balls, while Jadeja overstepped once. Dasgupta believes such problems need to be addressed during training rather than waiting for them to surface in matches.
"If you are not careful in the nets, it will happen. Even when I was playing, a lot of them would bowl from ahead and say it would not happen in the match, but they would repeat the same thing in the match. You need to avoid this in the nets. This issue is not new with Jadeja; it has only gotten worse," he added.
133717849
India won the two-match series 1-0, with victory by 165 runs in the opening Test in Galle before the second Test in Colombo ended in a draw. India's next Test ******* ignments will come with a tour of New Zealand scheduled for November before Australia travel to India for a five match Test series beginning in January 2027.
#India #dasgupta #colombo #second
Jadeja aged 37, finished India's recent two-Test tour of Sri Lanka with eight wickets across four innings. However, Dasgupta felt the Indian spin attack failed to consistently exert pressure on the hosts, particularly on surfaces where the visitors would have expected their spinners to play a major role.
The former India player singled out the second Test in Colombo, where Sri Lanka were forced to follow on but managed to fight back strongly. Sonal Dinusha's century helped the hosts frustrate India and build a substantial lead before the match eventually ended in a draw.
While Jadeja picked up three wickets in Sri Lanka's second innings, Dasgupta felt India needed more penetration from their experienced spinners.
"Apart from Manav, our spinners didn't look as lethal as we expected. I'm not saying there is no ability. On such pitches, Jadeja has always been very destructive and lethal. I thought he would be crucial on the fifth day. He has been a great servant, but it's done now. He was not as accurate as he is. His action is very shoulder-dominant," Dasgupta said on his YouTube channel.
The Sri Lanka series also highlighted an issue with India's bowling discipline, with the spinners repeatedly overstepping. Saransh Jain, making his Test debut in Colombo, bowled four no-balls, while Jadeja overstepped once. Dasgupta believes such problems need to be addressed during training rather than waiting for them to surface in matches.
"If you are not careful in the nets, it will happen. Even when I was playing, a lot of them would bowl from ahead and say it would not happen in the match, but they would repeat the same thing in the match. You need to avoid this in the nets. This issue is not new with Jadeja; it has only gotten worse," he added.
133717849
India won the two-match series 1-0, with victory by 165 runs in the opening Test in Galle before the second Test in Colombo ended in a draw. India's next Test ******* ignments will come with a tour of New Zealand scheduled for November before Australia travel to India for a five match Test series beginning in January 2027.
#India #dasgupta #colombo #second
15 days ago
Ben Stokes is set to make his mark in the Big Bash League with the Adelaide Strikers, and coach Tim Paine believes the England all-rounder could be particularly effective if he opens the batting.
Stokes' one-year deal with the Strikers was confirmed on Tuesday, making him available for the entire BBL season. Paine believes the 35-year-old can make an impact across all three departments while also bringing his leadership experience to the side. The Strikers had Matt Short and Chris Lynn as their regular opening combination last season, but Lynn is currently off contract, meaning the pair could be split up even if he returns to the franchise.
Paine sees Stokes as an ideal candidate to take the new ball with the bat, particularly on Australia's traditionally pace-friendly and bouncy pitches.
"Stokes gives us a lot of flexibility. I think initially my chats around how we would use him would probably be opening the batting. I think he's made to open the batting in Big Bash. I think the pacy, bouncy wickets in Australia really suit him," Paine said, as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.
The former Australia captain also highlighted Stokes' ability to attack all areas of the ground and change the momentum of an innings almost instantly.
"I have been on the end of a couple of these devastating innings in Test cricket where you feel like you cannot defend the field. He can play 360 degrees. He has got power. He has got some real class," he added.
Although Stokes has opened in only 16 of his 148 T20 innings, the numbers suggest he is at his most productive in that role. He averages 36.53 and has a strike rate of 138.48 as an opener. One of his two T20 centuries also came while opening, when he smashed an unbeaten 107 off 60 ****** for Rajasthan Royals in the 2020 IPL. His other T20 century came for Rising Pune Supergiant in 2017, when he scored 103 off 63 deliveries.
However, much of Stokes' T20 career has seen him bat at No. 3, 4 or 5. He has not played a T20 match since The Hundred in 2024, where he managed only four runs across three innings.
"I think he can do a terrific job opening the batting. Playing pretty normally, as we have seen in the past, he can flick a switch, and he has got amazing power. His skill level with the bat and his play of spin, he has just a well-rounded, world-class batter. We think that is probably the best fit for him and for us," Paine said.
Paine also believes Stokes could have an impact with the ball, suggesting his pace and ability to move the ball could make him a useful option in different phases of an innings.
"He is a bit quicker than people think. He has got great skill. He can swing the ball both ways. We feel like we can use him in all phases of the game with the ball as well. He will impact in the field with his athleticism and just the way he competes," he said.
Stokes has taken 352 wickets for England across international cricket, with his best figures of 6/22 highlighting his ability to produc
Stokes' one-year deal with the Strikers was confirmed on Tuesday, making him available for the entire BBL season. Paine believes the 35-year-old can make an impact across all three departments while also bringing his leadership experience to the side. The Strikers had Matt Short and Chris Lynn as their regular opening combination last season, but Lynn is currently off contract, meaning the pair could be split up even if he returns to the franchise.
Paine sees Stokes as an ideal candidate to take the new ball with the bat, particularly on Australia's traditionally pace-friendly and bouncy pitches.
"Stokes gives us a lot of flexibility. I think initially my chats around how we would use him would probably be opening the batting. I think he's made to open the batting in Big Bash. I think the pacy, bouncy wickets in Australia really suit him," Paine said, as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.
The former Australia captain also highlighted Stokes' ability to attack all areas of the ground and change the momentum of an innings almost instantly.
"I have been on the end of a couple of these devastating innings in Test cricket where you feel like you cannot defend the field. He can play 360 degrees. He has got power. He has got some real class," he added.
Although Stokes has opened in only 16 of his 148 T20 innings, the numbers suggest he is at his most productive in that role. He averages 36.53 and has a strike rate of 138.48 as an opener. One of his two T20 centuries also came while opening, when he smashed an unbeaten 107 off 60 ****** for Rajasthan Royals in the 2020 IPL. His other T20 century came for Rising Pune Supergiant in 2017, when he scored 103 off 63 deliveries.
However, much of Stokes' T20 career has seen him bat at No. 3, 4 or 5. He has not played a T20 match since The Hundred in 2024, where he managed only four runs across three innings.
"I think he can do a terrific job opening the batting. Playing pretty normally, as we have seen in the past, he can flick a switch, and he has got amazing power. His skill level with the bat and his play of spin, he has just a well-rounded, world-class batter. We think that is probably the best fit for him and for us," Paine said.
Paine also believes Stokes could have an impact with the ball, suggesting his pace and ability to move the ball could make him a useful option in different phases of an innings.
"He is a bit quicker than people think. He has got great skill. He can swing the ball both ways. We feel like we can use him in all phases of the game with the ball as well. He will impact in the field with his athleticism and just the way he competes," he said.
Stokes has taken 352 wickets for England across international cricket, with his best figures of 6/22 highlighting his ability to produc
15 days ago
'What's the bowling coach done?': Journalist questions PCB's mass sacking after Lord's Test, calls meltdown overreaction originally appeared on Cricket News. Add Cricket News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
British-Pakistani journalist Aatif Nawaz questioned the PCB's decision to sack its bowling coach after the Lord's Test.
He argued Pakistan's bowlers, not batters, were the ones taking wickets.
Nawaz called the mass overhaul a counterproductive move to placate angry fans.
Pakistan's decision to dismantle their squad and coaching staff mid-tour has drawn criticism from many quarters, and BBC commentator Aatif Nawaz has added a pointed voice to the chorus.
#nawaz #test #mass
British-Pakistani journalist Aatif Nawaz questioned the PCB's decision to sack its bowling coach after the Lord's Test.
He argued Pakistan's bowlers, not batters, were the ones taking wickets.
Nawaz called the mass overhaul a counterproductive move to placate angry fans.
Pakistan's decision to dismantle their squad and coaching staff mid-tour has drawn criticism from many quarters, and BBC commentator Aatif Nawaz has added a pointed voice to the chorus.
#nawaz #test #mass
16 days ago
South Africa continued their strong run in the Namibia T20I Tri-Series with another convincing victory over Zimbabwe, securing a comfortable 43-run win in the fourth match at the Namibia Cricket Ground on Tuesday.
Lhuan-dre Pretorius narrowly missed out on a maiden T20I century but produced a career-best 94 to set up South Africa's second victory over Zimbabwe in the tournament. The opener's sensational knock came off just 51 ******* and featured 12 fours and three sixes.
Pretorius was named Player of the Match after helping South Africa post 185/7 before their bowlers completed the job by dismissing Zimbabwe for 142 in 17.4 overs.
Put into bat, South Africa made an aggressive start, with Pretorius anchoring the innings and playing a key role in two partnerships of more than 50 runs for the first two wickets.
He found an able partner in Dewald Brevis, who struck 41 off 27 ******* , as the Proteas built a strong platform. Zimbabwe did manage to fight back with regular wickets towards the latter stages, but South Africa had already done enough damage to reach a competitive 185/7.
Pretorius fell six runs short of a century, but the opener insisted the team victory mattered more than his individual milestone.
"Yeah, that's fine. I'm just glad we got over the line. Milestones will come and go, and yeah, it wasn't meant to be today, but I was just glad because we said at the 14-over mark we wanted to get to 200, and I knew if I got the team to 200 I'd get to the milestone. But yeah, I think milestones come and go, and today was not meant to be, but we won, so it's good," Pretorius said.
Zimbabwe needed 186 for victory but struggled to maintain momentum after a promising beginning from Brian Bennett.
Their powerplay was derailed by a double-wicket maiden from captain Bjorn Fortuin, and South Africa struck again soon after the fielding restrictions ended.
Duan Jansen produced a decisive burst, taking three wickets in four ******* across two overs to leave Zimbabwe in serious trouble.
Captain Sikandar Raza offered some resistance with 45 off 33 ******* , while Newman Nyamhuri added 27 with some aggressive hitting. But the pair could only reduce the eventual margin of defeat as Zimbabwe were bowled out for 142.
Fortuin was the standout bowler, finishing with 4/24 from 3.4 overs, while Jansen claimed 3/21. The pair shared seven wickets between them as South Africa repeatedly struck at crucial moments.
The result gives South Africa their second win over Zimbabwe in the tri-series, with Pretorius' near-century and a disciplined bowling performance combining to secure another comprehensive victory.
#south #pretorius
Lhuan-dre Pretorius narrowly missed out on a maiden T20I century but produced a career-best 94 to set up South Africa's second victory over Zimbabwe in the tournament. The opener's sensational knock came off just 51 ******* and featured 12 fours and three sixes.
Pretorius was named Player of the Match after helping South Africa post 185/7 before their bowlers completed the job by dismissing Zimbabwe for 142 in 17.4 overs.
Put into bat, South Africa made an aggressive start, with Pretorius anchoring the innings and playing a key role in two partnerships of more than 50 runs for the first two wickets.
He found an able partner in Dewald Brevis, who struck 41 off 27 ******* , as the Proteas built a strong platform. Zimbabwe did manage to fight back with regular wickets towards the latter stages, but South Africa had already done enough damage to reach a competitive 185/7.
Pretorius fell six runs short of a century, but the opener insisted the team victory mattered more than his individual milestone.
"Yeah, that's fine. I'm just glad we got over the line. Milestones will come and go, and yeah, it wasn't meant to be today, but I was just glad because we said at the 14-over mark we wanted to get to 200, and I knew if I got the team to 200 I'd get to the milestone. But yeah, I think milestones come and go, and today was not meant to be, but we won, so it's good," Pretorius said.
Zimbabwe needed 186 for victory but struggled to maintain momentum after a promising beginning from Brian Bennett.
Their powerplay was derailed by a double-wicket maiden from captain Bjorn Fortuin, and South Africa struck again soon after the fielding restrictions ended.
Duan Jansen produced a decisive burst, taking three wickets in four ******* across two overs to leave Zimbabwe in serious trouble.
Captain Sikandar Raza offered some resistance with 45 off 33 ******* , while Newman Nyamhuri added 27 with some aggressive hitting. But the pair could only reduce the eventual margin of defeat as Zimbabwe were bowled out for 142.
Fortuin was the standout bowler, finishing with 4/24 from 3.4 overs, while Jansen claimed 3/21. The pair shared seven wickets between them as South Africa repeatedly struck at crucial moments.
The result gives South Africa their second win over Zimbabwe in the tri-series, with Pretorius' near-century and a disciplined bowling performance combining to secure another comprehensive victory.
#south #pretorius
16 days ago
The Australian men's cricket team is set to tour South Africa and Zimbabwe this September and October.
The Aussies will play three Test matches against the reigning ICC World Test Champions South Africa next month.
But before then the two fierce international rivals will also meet in three ODI matches in South Africa with Australia also playing three more ODIs against Zimbabwe beginning in Harare on September 15.
The long-awaited tour will be the first time Australia and South Africa have met in the red-ball format since South Africa won the final of the 2025 ICC World Test Championship in London, defeating Australia by five wickets.
It will also be Australia's first tour of South Africa for a Test series since the infamous 'sandpaper gate' match of 2018 meaning emotions are sure to be running high on both sides of the boundary line.
#tour #zimbabwe #september
The Aussies will play three Test matches against the reigning ICC World Test Champions South Africa next month.
But before then the two fierce international rivals will also meet in three ODI matches in South Africa with Australia also playing three more ODIs against Zimbabwe beginning in Harare on September 15.
The long-awaited tour will be the first time Australia and South Africa have met in the red-ball format since South Africa won the final of the 2025 ICC World Test Championship in London, defeating Australia by five wickets.
It will also be Australia's first tour of South Africa for a Test series since the infamous 'sandpaper gate' match of 2018 meaning emotions are sure to be running high on both sides of the boundary line.
#tour #zimbabwe #september
16 days ago
It's been a long time coming.
Australia is set to tour South Africa and play three Test matches against the reigning ICC World Test Champions in October 2026as well as three ODI matches against South Africa, and three more against Zimbabwe beginning in Harare on September 15.
The tour will be the first time Australia and South Africa have met in the red-ball format since South Africa won the final of the 2025 ICC World Test Championship in London, defeating Australia by five wickets.
It will also be Australia's first tour of South Africa for a Test series since the infamous 'sandpaper gate' match of 2018 meaning emotions are sure to be running high on both sides of the boundary line.
The Sporting News looks at the key details form the much-awaited tour including how to watch all nine of Australia's scheduled international matches.
#south #africa #australia #tour
Australia is set to tour South Africa and play three Test matches against the reigning ICC World Test Champions in October 2026as well as three ODI matches against South Africa, and three more against Zimbabwe beginning in Harare on September 15.
The tour will be the first time Australia and South Africa have met in the red-ball format since South Africa won the final of the 2025 ICC World Test Championship in London, defeating Australia by five wickets.
It will also be Australia's first tour of South Africa for a Test series since the infamous 'sandpaper gate' match of 2018 meaning emotions are sure to be running high on both sides of the boundary line.
The Sporting News looks at the key details form the much-awaited tour including how to watch all nine of Australia's scheduled international matches.
#south #africa #australia #tour
17 days ago
Joe Root has called on England to enjoy their Test series triumph over Pakistan without letting the celebrations spill into unnecessary controversy.
England wrapped up a 2-0 lead in the three-match series with a 194-run victory at Lord's, securing their first multi-match Test series win since 2024. With one game still to play, Root acknowledged the achievement but urged his teammates to celebrate responsibly.
"It's important we're not talking about, absolutely," Root said during the post-match media interaction at Lord's. "But it's hard to win Test matches, it's hard to win Test series, so enjoy it and celebrate it, but in a sensible, grown-up way.
"It's been a really good start to, I don't know what you want to call it, this new team."
Root's comments came as England celebrated another dominant performance against Pakistan. The victory gave them an unassailable advantage in the series, but the former captain was keen to ensure the focus remained on what the team had achieved on the field.
His call for "sensible" celebrations also comes with England having been involved in off-field controversies around celebrations in the past.
The immediate challenge for Root, however, is a personal one.
The England batter has endured an unusually difficult summer. He is averaging 29.44 across nine innings, significantly below his career average of 50.38.
His struggles were particularly evident at Lord's, where he was dismissed lbw in both innings. That took his tally of lbw dismissals this summer to seven.
Root, though, insisted he was not overly concerned and believes he can work his way through the problem.
"I've always been quite good at understanding and eventually problem-solving," he said. "I'll continue to keep working hard. I might have been lbw a few times, but lots of those have been umpire's call – if they go the other way it might not be as much of a talking point.
"We've also seen the ball move more than it ever has. So there has to be a sense of calm and realism around things. I know I'm a good player, and I'd like to think there's a big score around the corner."
Root also raised concerns about the behaviour of the Dukes ball being used this summer, suggesting it has felt different from previous batches.
While he admitted he had no evidence of a manufacturing change, Root believes the ******* have appeared harder and may have a different lacquer.
"I think they've been very different this year," Root said. "I think there's a different lacquer to them. I don't know, I've not got evidence on that – you probably need to ask Dukes – but I think there's lacquer on the seam.
"As a batter, when you practise, they're cracking your bats more frequently. And they seem a lot firmer."
The England batter also suggested the harder ******* could be having an impact on the pitches themselves, potentially creating more movement for the seamers.
"I think they're affecting the wickets as well. I think they're denting
England wrapped up a 2-0 lead in the three-match series with a 194-run victory at Lord's, securing their first multi-match Test series win since 2024. With one game still to play, Root acknowledged the achievement but urged his teammates to celebrate responsibly.
"It's important we're not talking about, absolutely," Root said during the post-match media interaction at Lord's. "But it's hard to win Test matches, it's hard to win Test series, so enjoy it and celebrate it, but in a sensible, grown-up way.
"It's been a really good start to, I don't know what you want to call it, this new team."
Root's comments came as England celebrated another dominant performance against Pakistan. The victory gave them an unassailable advantage in the series, but the former captain was keen to ensure the focus remained on what the team had achieved on the field.
His call for "sensible" celebrations also comes with England having been involved in off-field controversies around celebrations in the past.
The immediate challenge for Root, however, is a personal one.
The England batter has endured an unusually difficult summer. He is averaging 29.44 across nine innings, significantly below his career average of 50.38.
His struggles were particularly evident at Lord's, where he was dismissed lbw in both innings. That took his tally of lbw dismissals this summer to seven.
Root, though, insisted he was not overly concerned and believes he can work his way through the problem.
"I've always been quite good at understanding and eventually problem-solving," he said. "I'll continue to keep working hard. I might have been lbw a few times, but lots of those have been umpire's call – if they go the other way it might not be as much of a talking point.
"We've also seen the ball move more than it ever has. So there has to be a sense of calm and realism around things. I know I'm a good player, and I'd like to think there's a big score around the corner."
Root also raised concerns about the behaviour of the Dukes ball being used this summer, suggesting it has felt different from previous batches.
While he admitted he had no evidence of a manufacturing change, Root believes the ******* have appeared harder and may have a different lacquer.
"I think they've been very different this year," Root said. "I think there's a different lacquer to them. I don't know, I've not got evidence on that – you probably need to ask Dukes – but I think there's lacquer on the seam.
"As a batter, when you practise, they're cracking your bats more frequently. And they seem a lot firmer."
The England batter also suggested the harder ******* could be having an impact on the pitches themselves, potentially creating more movement for the seamers.
"I think they're affecting the wickets as well. I think they're denting
17 days ago
Stuart Broad has questioned Imam-ul-Haq's decision to practise on the sidelines while carrying a calf injury during Pakistan's second Test against England at Lord's, accusing the batter of "putting on an act".
Imam was ruled out of the remainder of the Test after suffering a low-grade strain to his left calf while fielding on the opening day. The injury came after he had dropped two catches, and Pakistan were subsequently left a batter short for the rest of the match.
The Pakistan opener did not bat in the second innings either, as his side collapsed to another heavy defeat and went 2-0 down in the three-Test series.
Ahead of play on Day 4, Imam was seen on the Lord's sidelines knocking a ball around while wearing tape around his injured calf. He appeared to be hobbling as he went through some batting practice.
There were suggestions from the Pakistan camp that Imam could potentially bat if his team needed him during the second innings. However, Broad was unimpressed by what he saw.
Speaking on Sky Sports, the former England fast bowler suggested Imam's public warm-up was designed to make a point rather than prepare him to bat.
"That's all for show. He has got a bit of stick from media and maybe his teammates. Whatever. You can do that inside the indoor school without anyone seeing, don't have to come wearing shorts and tape and hobble around like that. I am not impressed with that. Sorry," Broad said.
Broad's remarks added to questions surrounding Imam's injury, particularly after former Pakistan batter and chief selector Mohammad Wasim had previously raised concerns over the opener's injury history.
Wasim previously alleged that Imam had faked injuries to avoid playing.
Recalling an incident from 2022, Wasim said Pakistan's physiotherapist had warned him that an injury involving Imam could become an issue even before an official decision had been made.
According to Wasim, the player had previously been involved in similar situations, with coaches also raising concerns.
The comments have now resurfaced after Imam was ruled out at Lord's, although Pakistan's management maintained that he was dealing with a calf strain.
Whatever the circumstances surrounding Imam's injury, his absence was felt as Pakistan's batting once again failed to put up a fight.
Chasing an imposing 389 for victory, Pakistan slipped to 14/3 and were soon staring at another defeat. Saud Shakeel provided some resistance, putting together a 97-run fourth-wicket partnership with Shan Masood before taking on the England attack alongside the tail.
Shakeel looked on course for a determined century but was dismissed for 97, falling to the short ball he had repeatedly attacked during his innings.
His score accounted for more than half of Pakistan's total as wickets continued to tumble at the other end.
Ollie Robinson produced a decisive four-wicket burst, Josh Tongue cleaned up the tail with three wickets and Jofra Archer claimed two as Englan
Imam was ruled out of the remainder of the Test after suffering a low-grade strain to his left calf while fielding on the opening day. The injury came after he had dropped two catches, and Pakistan were subsequently left a batter short for the rest of the match.
The Pakistan opener did not bat in the second innings either, as his side collapsed to another heavy defeat and went 2-0 down in the three-Test series.
Ahead of play on Day 4, Imam was seen on the Lord's sidelines knocking a ball around while wearing tape around his injured calf. He appeared to be hobbling as he went through some batting practice.
There were suggestions from the Pakistan camp that Imam could potentially bat if his team needed him during the second innings. However, Broad was unimpressed by what he saw.
Speaking on Sky Sports, the former England fast bowler suggested Imam's public warm-up was designed to make a point rather than prepare him to bat.
"That's all for show. He has got a bit of stick from media and maybe his teammates. Whatever. You can do that inside the indoor school without anyone seeing, don't have to come wearing shorts and tape and hobble around like that. I am not impressed with that. Sorry," Broad said.
Broad's remarks added to questions surrounding Imam's injury, particularly after former Pakistan batter and chief selector Mohammad Wasim had previously raised concerns over the opener's injury history.
Wasim previously alleged that Imam had faked injuries to avoid playing.
Recalling an incident from 2022, Wasim said Pakistan's physiotherapist had warned him that an injury involving Imam could become an issue even before an official decision had been made.
According to Wasim, the player had previously been involved in similar situations, with coaches also raising concerns.
The comments have now resurfaced after Imam was ruled out at Lord's, although Pakistan's management maintained that he was dealing with a calf strain.
Whatever the circumstances surrounding Imam's injury, his absence was felt as Pakistan's batting once again failed to put up a fight.
Chasing an imposing 389 for victory, Pakistan slipped to 14/3 and were soon staring at another defeat. Saud Shakeel provided some resistance, putting together a 97-run fourth-wicket partnership with Shan Masood before taking on the England attack alongside the tail.
Shakeel looked on course for a determined century but was dismissed for 97, falling to the short ball he had repeatedly attacked during his innings.
His score accounted for more than half of Pakistan's total as wickets continued to tumble at the other end.
Ollie Robinson produced a decisive four-wicket burst, Josh Tongue cleaned up the tail with three wickets and Jofra Archer claimed two as Englan
17 days ago
Hypotheticals and hindsight are not typically the favoured topics of the professional sports team but there is an alternative England scenario worth pondering. Had Sam Curran been fully fit to bowl ahead of this Pakistan series, the likelihood is that the Surrey all-rounder would have earned a recall to the Test squad for the first time in five years, a replacement of sorts after Ben Stokes had gone down in a blaze of gory batting at Trent Bridge.
Would Curran have featured in England's XI? The **** umption must be that he would not have but the very fact that he was under consideration at all shows the tricky question that Joe Root's side were attempting to answer. How does one replace the irreplaceable? Well, it seems, the answer is to not replace Stokes at all. There is no point, of course, selecting a seam all-rounder when you have specialists bowling the way that England's pace foursome have in this series so far.
England wrapped up a speedy victory over Pakistan at Lord's (Getty)
One must weigh Pakistan's paucity as mitigation against declarations of the brilliance of this attack but the evidence is increasingly persuasive about the group's potential. After the Headingley Test, Root had declared that the quartet of Ollie Robinson, Jofra Archer, Josh Tongue and Gus Atkinson did not know how good they could be and another standout showing at Lord's will not dim his praise. Of all English bowlers in Test history, Root can currently call upon three of the five men with strike rates beneath 44 and still have Archer to spare; if the fast forwarding of Test cricket is partly to blame, any skipper would enjoy that sort of potency.
"Each day it will be someone else's turn," Archer said during the second Test. "Everyone is relentless, everyone wants wickets and it feels like no-one is ever going to be overworked because everyone shares the overs out. You don't have to do too much because someone is going to back you up until you find your feet again."
#Pakistan
Would Curran have featured in England's XI? The **** umption must be that he would not have but the very fact that he was under consideration at all shows the tricky question that Joe Root's side were attempting to answer. How does one replace the irreplaceable? Well, it seems, the answer is to not replace Stokes at all. There is no point, of course, selecting a seam all-rounder when you have specialists bowling the way that England's pace foursome have in this series so far.
England wrapped up a speedy victory over Pakistan at Lord's (Getty)
One must weigh Pakistan's paucity as mitigation against declarations of the brilliance of this attack but the evidence is increasingly persuasive about the group's potential. After the Headingley Test, Root had declared that the quartet of Ollie Robinson, Jofra Archer, Josh Tongue and Gus Atkinson did not know how good they could be and another standout showing at Lord's will not dim his praise. Of all English bowlers in Test history, Root can currently call upon three of the five men with strike rates beneath 44 and still have Archer to spare; if the fast forwarding of Test cricket is partly to blame, any skipper would enjoy that sort of potency.
"Each day it will be someone else's turn," Archer said during the second Test. "Everyone is relentless, everyone wants wickets and it feels like no-one is ever going to be overworked because everyone shares the overs out. You don't have to do too much because someone is going to back you up until you find your feet again."
#Pakistan
