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In spite of Sean Williams’ 137, South Africa’s lead grows.

Posted on June 30, 2025 by [email protected]

In the first Test in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe’s only fighting spark was still Sean Williams’ sixth Test century. A large 167-run lead was secured by the South Africans’ combination bowling effort. Which was led by Wiaan Mulder, Keshav Maharaj, and Codi Yusuf. South Africa’s lead has increased to 216 runs by the end of Day 2.

After announcing their overnight total of 418 for 9. South Africa called Zimbabwe to bat first thing in the morning.

Takudzwanashe Kaitano chipped one to mid-wicket, and Codi Yusuf took his first Test wicket off his fifth delivery, putting the tourists right on the money right away. As he quickly took two wickets, Yusuf then got Nick Welch to push one behind to the ‘keeper. Brian Bennett, who just scored a century against England last month, sandwiched this by hitting three quick boundaries to maintain a strong scoring rate.

However, Bennett’s innings was ended when his helmet was struck by a bouncer from Kwena Maphaka. Due to a concussion, the right-hander was taken out. For the home team, it brought in the seasoned combo of Craig Ervine and Williams. Who stitched a partnership of 96 runs. Ervine approached with greater steadiness, but the latter got things started with two flat batted shots to the Maphaka barrier. Corbin Bosch and Yusuf battered the two hitters repeatedly. But they persevered before punishing the loose sounds. It gave the hosts a chance to recover a little before lunch.

Sean Williams

Keshav Maharaj put Williams down after lunch before he reached his fiftieth birthday, bringing the ship into balance for Zimbabwe. The left-arm spinner claimed his 200th Test wicket. When Ervine was stumped off Maharaj in the following over. After getting lucky with a streaking boundary over the slip trap. Wessley Madhevere, a new batsman, showed initiative by hitting threes early on and slog sweeping Maharaj for six.

Williams, who rocketed into the 80s, too relished playing the left-arm spinner with two boundaries as Zimbabwe reached the 150. The risky stand was broken at the end of the hour. When Prince Masvaure, the concussion substitute was brought to the crease by Mulder’s inswinger hitting Madhevere’s pads. However, as the hosts persisted in retaliating against South Africa, Williams reached his century. However, Masvaure lost the next ball, and Mulder scored his second. Tafadzwa Tsiga wasted no time in putting back-to-back boundaries off Mulder, much like those who came before him. However, Mulder’s strike in his subsequent over quickly destroyed his promising start.

Zimbabwe collapsed as a result, losing their final five wickets for an only fifty runs. Williams, the centurion was defeated and stumped by Maharaj. While Yusuf sent Wellington Masakadza back to the pavilion. Zimbabwe was dismissed on 251 after Mulder and Maharaj took the final two wickets for two runs.

However, Tanaka Chivanga made sure Matthew Breetzke returned early, and Zimbabwe refused to back down. The tourists are now 49 for 1 as Tony de Zorzi and Wiaan Mulder played out the remainder of the day before Stumps was called.

Shafali Verma may have luck on her third visit to England.

Posted on June 27, 2025 by [email protected]

Shafali Verma will be making his third tour of England. But this time around, a lot has changed. To begin with, she is no longer a teenager.

Shafali was a T20I cricket player when she made her first trip to England for the multi-format series in 2021. During that tour, she made her debut in both Test and ODI cricket. Despite her inconsistency, India was pleased with the high-impact blows she made during the 2022 England tour. Which was for the Commonwealth Games and the bilateral series. For both Shafali and India, the trade-off between risk and reward was excellent.

In the middle of 2025, Shafali remains unpopular in ODIs during a home World Cup year and has recently been called up to the T20I squad. Following India’s humiliating loss in the T20 World Cup 2024 league stage. Shafali’s position on the team appeared untenable. It’s not like India found other batters who could attack right away as she could; very few people in the world, much less India, can do it. Nevertheless, she was dropped.

In the past, Shafali Verma may have benefited by her rejection in terms of time. Since she was allowed to participate in all 50-over domestic competitions. In addition to leading the run-scoring statistics with 527 runs at an average of 75 and a strike rate of 152.31, she led Haryana to a quarterfinal finish in the Senior Women’s One Day Trophy. Kiran Navgire was the only other batter to bat at a greater strike rate during the competition, but she only managed to score 116 runs.

Shafali Verma

Shafali went on to compete in the Senior Women’s One Day Challenger Trophy, where the national selectors choose the top one-dayers. As captain of Team A, she also led the charts there with 414 runs at an average of 82.80 and a strike rate of 145.26. No one else in the competition scored at a faster pace than her. She had about 200 runs more than the next best.

As the top run scorer for the runners-up Delhi Capitals (DC) in the 2025 WPL and fourth-best player overall. Shafali was unable to be excluded from India’s T20I squad. The fact that India only participated in one T20I series because of her dismissal was irrelevant. When the 2026 T20 World Cup journey begins, they have their best opener back.

“In one-day cricket, everyone claimed that she only bats for ten to fifteen overs. However, she hit consecutive hundreds and batted for longer in [the domestic] one-dayers. Shafali performed well even in the Senior Women’s Multi-Day Challenger Trophy. She has recently begun playing longer innings on a regular basis. She has scored 130-140 in Under-23 cricket. So it’s not like she hasn’t done it before. Although she strives to maximize the powerplay in T20s, she possesses the talent.

India Women tour of England 2025

When 15-year-old Shafali made her debut for India, Kala, a former player, was the chief selector. In addition to working with DC, Kala also coached teams in the one-day and multi-day Challenger Trophy, where he saw firsthand the harm Shafali could cause as an opponent.

Kala stated, “I keep telling her that no one has the mindset she has—hitting sixes from ball one.” ‘Don’t leave your game,’ I remind her every time we speak. No one in the women’s game hits sixes at will like her; her power game comes naturally. I advised her to hold onto the traits that have led her to this point. I initially chose her because she is a different cricket player.

However, Kala also consciously taught Shafali the value of switching up your strike. Avoiding getting caught up in the pursuit of massive hits. Finding holes when the field stretches is something she has worked on.

Suryakumar Yadav is recovering from surgery for a sports hernia.

Posted on June 26, 2025 by [email protected]

In Munich, Germany, India’s T20I skipper Suryakumar Yadav got successful hernia surgery and is presently recovering.

The last time we saw Suryakumar was during the 2025 Indian Premier League, where he played a key role in the Mumbai Indians’ playoff run. A new world record for consecutive scores of 25 or more was set by the middle-order hitter, 34 (16). In addition, he finished with 717 runs, which was the most by a MI hitter in a single season and the most by a non-opener in the IPL.

The ongoing Test tour of England, which runs through August 4, is India’s current assignment. They then turn their attention to a three-ODI and three-T20I white-ball tour of Bangladesh.

Suryakumar Yadav hasn’t participated in 50-overs cricket since the 2023 World Cup final, hence he isn’t a regular for India. Because to this schedule, he had some spare time to do the surgery and recuperate before leading the T20 team in Chattogram on August 26.

After India won the World Cup in June 2024, Suryakumar became leadership of the team in Twenty20 Internationals. With the retirement of Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravindra Jadeja at the conclusion of that tournament. The IPL generation took over, and India’s batting has since achieved unprecedented heights. A squad that prioritizes batting depth and rapid scoring was able to consistently surpass the 250-run mark. The second-highest total in T20 history. 297 was reached by them against Bangladesh in October 2024.

Ferreira, Spinners, and Ranjane return TSK to its winning ways.

Posted on June 25, 2025 by [email protected]

The Texas Super Kings (TSK) defeated the Los Angeles Knight Riders 144 for 7 (Chand 30, Hosein 2-10, Noor 2-27) by 52 runs with 196 for 8 (Ranjane 70, Ferreira 43, Smit 38, Russell 3-37, van Schalkwyk 3-51).

Through an all-around performance that easily defeated the Los Angeles Knight Riders. The Texas Super Kings got back to winning ways and moved up to second place on the MLC 2025 points table. When the tournament reached the midway point of its league phase. It was LAKR’s fourth defeat in five games and TSK’s fourth victory in six.

Left-arm spinners Akeal Hosein and Noor Ahmad. As well as lower-middle-order batsmen Shubham Ranjane and Donovan Ferreira, were TSK’s main players.

TSK vs LAKR

LAKR had gotten off to a strong start, successfully using their choice to bowl. Bringing TSK down to 33 for 3 in four overs. Shadley van Schalkwyk took all three wickets, including the crucial one of Marcus Stoinis for a golden duck.

The innings was then saved by opener Smit Patel and Ranjane. Who put on a solid 64 off 46 partnerships. Smit scooped Andre Russell to short fine-leg for 38 off 33, almost bringing the total to 100. LAKR ended up losing the wicket because Ferreira and Ranjane were unstoppable after that. After taking back-to-back fours from Ali Khan, Ferreira attacked Russell with six, four, and four.

The two then put on 82 in only 40 balls when Van Schalkwyk dropped sixes to both batsmen in his final over. Which went for 23. Ferreira was run out due to a major mix-up in the 19th over. Ranjane fell two balls later, ending the stand. Despite losing two more wickets in the final over. TSK’s final score of 196 was sufficient.

Nitish Kumar was removed by Hosein with a superb arm ball that swung in sharply to knock over middle stump. The LAKR openers had just begun to settle down. When Hosein struck twice in two balls. Quick goals from Unmukt Chand and Saif Badar put the team ahead 39 for 2 in the powerplay. But Badar was able to pull ahead thanks to a cross-seam delivery from Stoinis. Variations from the TSK bowlers, including fast bowlers and spinners, kept LAKR under control, and the asking rate had risen above 12 an over and had never decreased.

Even the hard-hitting Jamaican pair of Rovman Powell and Russell were unable to salvage the innings. After Sherfane Rutherford fought his way to 13 off 15. Before being bowled by Noor, Shortly before Russell was tricked by a sharp Noor wrong’un that turned from leg stump with plenty of drift to dislodge his off stump. LAKR needed 95 from 27 balls and never came close. Powell hit the first six of the innings in the 15th over.

Canada qualifies to the Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 as the 13th team.

Posted on June 23, 2025 by [email protected]

In the Americas regional qualifying finals, Canada defeated Bahamas by seven wickets in Ontario. Making them the 13th side to advance to the 20-team 2026 men’s T20 World Cup. Which will be played in India and Sri Lanka.

In the four-team competition, which also includes Bermuda and the Cayman Islands. It was Canada’s fifth straight victory and guaranteed them a top-of-the-table finish regardless of the outcome of the next two games.

Canada will be attending a T20 World Cup for the second time. They had used the same technique to qualify for the 2024 edition in both the USA and the West Indies.

The hosts, India and Sri Lanka, as well as Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, England, Ireland, New Zealand, Pakistan, South Africa, the United States, and the West Indies have already qualified. They will be joined by seven additional teams: three from the Asia-EAP qualification, two from the Africa qualifier, and two from the Europe qualifier.

Canada was the clear favorite to win the event. Because they were playing at home and the USA had already qualified. Therefore they had no opponents. They won their matches by scores of 110 runs, 59 runs, ten wickets, 42 runs, and seven wickets, proving they were what they said they would be. In 19.5 overs, they bundled Bahamas for a meager 57 in their most recent victory. Ansh Patel took 2 for 7 from his quota, Shivam Sharma took 3 for 16 in 2.5, and Kaleem Sana took 3 for 6 from his four overs.

Dilpreet Bajwa led the charge with a perfect 36 off 14 balls. As the Canadian batsmen chased down the goal in only 5.3 overs.

Canada’s final match is against Bermuda on Sunday.

Shanto leads Bangladesh, but there is a greater chance of a draw.

Posted on June 21, 2025June 21, 2025 by [email protected]

There was a lot of doubt at the start of the day about how Bangladesh would bat and how long they would give themselves to bowl Sri Lanka out. As it turned out, they were essentially powerless to make the decision because lunch was called ten minutes sooner than planned. It started to rain a little more than an hour into the morning session.

We will hopefully witness 94 overs of play during the day because the break was too short to allow for any over loss. However, with Bangladesh’s advantage at 247. Which is probably enough for a sporting declaration, the most likely outcome currently appears to be a draw.

When the rain started, Mushfiqur Rahim was running out after a stand of 109 with Najmul Hossain Shanto, who was undefeated at 89. To reach his fifty, Mushfiqur was looking for a tight single. But he was just a hair short of the crease after a direct hit from mid-on.

Shanto

Only one additional stop happened during this Test. On the second afternoon, despite the fact that rain was a constant threat. However, given the constant risk of rain. It was odd that neither Shanto nor Mushfiqur showed any hurry in the hour and a little play.

Both sides had shown an intention to fight for a result the previous afternoon. But Bangladesh were happy to grind around at a session run rate of just 3.15. Clearly ready to bat through lunch or maybe beyond.

Traditional wisdom would have suggested that it would take at least two sessions to bowl Sri Lanka out. Since Bangladesh certainly wanted a lead of at least 300 likely close to 350 a run rate of five or more seemed to be the norm. However, since Sri Lanka was also content to set defensive fields, Bangladesh. Who had recently experienced a very poor run rate in Test matches. Had no intention of sacrificing important World Test Championship points.

When Shanto smoked his first delivery faced today and Mushfiqur hammered one down the ground off the fifth ball of the morning. There was first some optimism that Bangladesh might advance the match. Both batters were happy to dead-bat the spinners. But generally dot balls won.

The only delivery that went wrong for the Sri Lankan spinners was the occasional one. They were unable to obtain the same purchase off the ground that Nayeem Hasan had so brilliantly used on the fourth afternoon.

Overall, it looks like a day that started out with the possibility of a sprint finish will end in an easy draw.

Mehidy will return to Colombo for the second Test.

Posted on June 20, 2025 by [email protected]

Test vice-captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz is expected to be available for selection in the second match of the current two-match Test series against Sri Lanka in Colombo. So Bangladesh can exhale with relief.

Mehidy was rested for the premiere of the series after missing the two-day training session. Before the first Test in Galle because of an illness.

There were some questions about his availability for the second Test as he had been absent from the ground for the first two days of the Galle Test. Mehidy, however, removed every doubt on Thursday, June 19, by attending the training.

The all-rounder is reportedly making a full recovery from the fever and will probably be eligible for selection.

A top-order batter Haque Anamul In the first Test. Bijoy took Mehidy’s place but was ineffective, scoring a duck in the first innings.

Mehidy surely will improve the team as one of Bangladesh’s leading run scorers in Test cricket, particularly as the Colombo pitch is predicted to help spinners. June 25 is when the second Test is expected to start.

Mushtaq Ahmed, a spin bowling consultant, left Galle on June 17 in advance of the current Test match, according to a BCB official. He is anticipated to return during the ODI series. Which starts in early July.

In preparation for the Test series, Mushtaq had trained intensively with the spinners in Galle and Dhaka.

“The contract between BCB and Mushtaq is based on the quantity of working days. He arrived during the preparatory stage and departed once his given duties were finished. On July 6, he will be back,” Nafees continued.

Corey Rocchiccioli gets a four-game Championship contract with Warwickshire.

Posted on June 19, 2025 by [email protected]

Western Australia offspinner Corey Rocchiccioli has agreed to a short-term contract to play in the County Championship for Warwickshire. He “jumped at the chance” to play abroad during the Australian winter. Rocchiccioli will be available for four Championship games over the following six weeks.

Since the 2023–24 season began, Rocchiccioli, 27, has flourished in red-ball cricket, taking 84 wickets at a rate of 27.65 in the Sheffield Shield. Second only bowler Nathan McAndrew of South Australia. This year, instead of playing for the Dukes, he will be joining Warwickshire for the Championship rounds, which will feature the Kookaburra ball.

“We are thrilled to have Corey join our team for the months of June and July,” stated Ian Westwood. Head coach of Warwickshire. He has a track record of success in Sheffield Shield cricket, and we are sure he will contribute because of his familiarity with the Kookaburra ball.

Corey Rocchiccioli

I’m thrilled to play for a club as well-known as Warwickshire,” Rocchiccioli stated. When I got the call from Westy and Davo [captain Alex Davies], I jumped at the chance to participate. I’m excited to pick up skills and develop in English, and I aim to help bring about a few major victories in the process.”

Rocchiccioli’s selection for the Australia A teams’ matches against India A and the England Lions last summer was a sign of the selectors’ interest in him. Together with Matthew Kuhnemann and Todd Murphy. He is one of three possible Nathan Lyon successors. Who have reached an agreement with Gloucestershire for the same block of Championship games.

In another development, Tim Robinson, a New Zealand batsman and wicketkeeper, was signed by Northamptonshire on a temporary basis. Robinson, 23, will be capable of playing two Championship games and four Blast games. He takes Matthew Breetzke’s position. When Breetzke was chosen to play for South Africa in the Test Championship against Zimbabwe.

Glenn Maxwell Freedom century leads LAKR to a stunning loss.

Posted on June 18, 2025 by [email protected]

The Los Angeles Knight Riders were easily defeated by the Washington Freedom by 113 runs. Thanks to Glenn Maxwell is unbeaten 49-ball 106. Following his No. 6 innings, Freedom reached 208 for 5, and their bowlers then dismissed LAKR for just 95.

Freedom is now third in the MLC 2025 points standings after winning their second straight game. With three losses in three games, LAKR is in fifth place. Their net run rate is the only thing separating them from last place.

Freedom chose to bat and scored his sixth T20 century with 13 sixes and two fours before Glenn Maxwell arrived at 68 for 4. With Mark Chapman (17 off 21) and Obus Pienaar (14* off 15) supporting the sixth T20 century in the tournament’s brief history. It gave the Freedom innings impetus. Maxwell’s six-hitting helped Freedom score 124 runs in the last 10 innings.

LAKR’s middle order was ruined by Freedom opener Mitchell Owen. Who struck 32 off 11 balls and took three wickets in the chase. Their problems were made worse. When they lost their top three players, Alex Hales, Sunil Narine, and Unmukt Chand, all for ducks. Only four times in the franchise’s T20 history have the openers and the number three all been out without a run.

Sophie Devine will retire from ODIs after the World Cup in 2025.

Posted on June 17, 2025 by [email protected]

Sophie Devine, a mainstay of New Zealand will be leaving the ODI format after this year’s World Cup. She will therefore choose to sign a casual playing contract for the 2025–2026 season, New Zealand Cricket said on Tuesday, June 17.

In both ODIs and T20Is, the 35-year-old has enjoyed a stellar career for New Zealand. Over the course of her 152 appearances for the national team the second most after Suzie Bates. She has risen from her initial position as a No. 11 in 50-over cricket to become one of the most crucial hitters in the team. She has hit 16 fifties and eight hundred, second only to Bates. In addition to his fourth-highest 3990 runs. Devine has taken 107 wickets. Which is second only to Lea Tahuhu.

In 2020, the all-round player was named New Zealand’s permanent captain last year. They won the T20 World Cup under her direction. In the last two tournaments. They have not advanced past the group stages in the ODI format.

Sophie Devine

Devine stated, “It feels like the right time for me to start stepping away,” in reference to her choice. “I consider myself extremely lucky to have had NZC’s help in resolving the issue. So that I can continue to support the White Ferns. Before I leave, I want everyone to know that I’m committed and focused on giving this group my all. I’m eager to contribute over the next six to nine months. Am quite pleased about the direction this young group is taking.”

According to Liz Green, the Head of Women’s High Performance at NZC. Devine’s choice to sign a casual deal will allow another athlete to sign a full contract. As the 17-member core contracts list will be revealed tomorrow.

Green stated that Sophie has served the White Ferns for almost 20 years, and NZC is completely in support of her efforts to find greater balance at this point in her career.

We are happy that we were able to come to a deal that allows her to continue playing for the White Ferns on an as-needed basis while providing room for another player to sign a full contract.

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