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AFG vs HKG Match Prediction: Who Will Come Out on Top?

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AFG vs HKG: Cricket fans are gearing up for an exciting clash as Afghanistan take on Hong Kong in their upcoming fixture. The match promises to be a battle of contrasting styles—Afghanistan’s explosive batting and world-class spin attack up against Hong Kong’s resilience and determination to upset the odds.

🔹 Team Form & Strengths

Afghanistan:
Afghanistan enter this contest as the clear favorites. Over the years, they’ve established themselves as a powerful force in white-ball cricket, particularly in T20Is. With hard-hitting batters like Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Hazratullah Zazai at the top, and experienced campaigners like Mohammad Nabi and Najibullah Zadran in the middle order, they possess the firepower to post or chase down big totals.

Their biggest weapon, however, lies in their world-class spin department. Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, and Noor Ahmad form a lethal trio that can dismantle any batting lineup. On spin-friendly pitches, Afghanistan become almost unbeatable.

Hong Kong:
Hong Kong, on the other hand, come in as underdogs but not without spirit. They’ve shown fight in previous tournaments and have players capable of surprising stronger opponents. Nizakat Khan and Babar Hayat are among their most reliable batters, while Ehsan Khan leads the spin attack with experience.

Though they may lack the depth and star power of Afghanistan, Hong Kong’s strength lies in playing fearless cricket and capitalizing on opponents’ mistakes.

🔹 Key Battles to Watch

  • Rashid Khan vs Hong Kong’s middle order: Rashid’s four overs will likely decide the game. If Hong Kong survive him without much damage, they could put up a competitive score.
  • Afghanistan’s openers vs Hong Kong’s new ball bowlers: If Gurbaz and Zazai get going early, AFG vs HKG Afghanistan could put the game beyond reach in the powerplay itself.

🔹 Pitch & Conditions

The pitch is expected to favor spinners, giving Afghanistan an edge. Batting first might be the safer option, as chasing could become difficult under lights if the track slows down.

🔹 Match Prediction

On paper, Afghanistan are miles ahead with their explosive batting and world-class bowling attack. Hong Kong will need a near-perfect performance to pull off an upset, especially with the quality spin department Afghanistan possesses.

👉 Prediction: Afghanistan to win convincingly.
However, if Hong Kong’s top order fires and their spinners manage early breakthroughs, they could make the contest interesting.

🔹 Final Word

While Afghanistan remain overwhelming favorites, cricket has a way of surprising everyone. Hong Kong will look to play fearless cricket, but it will take something extraordinary for them to outclass Rashid Khan and company. Fans can expect an entertaining contest, but the scales are heavily tilted in Afghanistan’s favor.

Yastika Bhatia will not feature in the World Cup or Australian ODIs.

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The Board of Control for Cricket in India announced on Thursday. That Indian wicket-keeper batter Yastika Bhatia will not feature in the 2025 50-over World Cup or the coming three-match ODI series against Australia.

Yastika Bhatia is under observation by the BCCI medical team. After injuring her left knee, While at India’s training camp in Visakhapatnam.

The India A team, which will play in a World Cup warm-up. Will no longer feature Uma Chetry, who was picked as her replacement in both teams.

India’s revised ODI squad against Australia:

Smriti Mandhana (VC), Pratika Rawal, Deepti Sharma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Renuka Singh Thakur, Arundhati Reddy, Harmanpreet Kaur (C), Uma Chetry (wk), Richa Ghosh (wk), Kranti Gaud, Sayali Satghare, Radha Yadav, Sree Charani, Sneh Rana, and Harleen Deol.

Tejal Hasabnis, Prema Rawat, and Priya Mishra are standby players for the ODI series against Australia.

India’s revised squad for ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025:

Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Uma Chetry (wk), Smriti Mandhana (vc), Pratika Rawal, Harleen Deol, Jemimah Rodrigues, Renuka Singh Thakur, Arundhati Reddy, Richa Ghosh (wk), Kranti Gaud, Amanjot Kaur, Radha Yadav, Sree Charani, Sneh Rana and Deepti Sharma

ICC Women’s World Cup standby players are Tejal Hasabnis, Prema Rawat, Priya Mishra, Minnu Mani, and Sayali Satghare.

India A squad updated:

Minnu Mani (c), Dhara Gujjar, Shafali Verma, Tejal Hasabnis, Vrinda Dinesh, Tanushree Sarkar, Tanuja Kanwer, Titas Sadhu, Saima Thakor, Prema Rawat, Priya Mishra, Raghvi Bist, Nandini Kashyap (wk) and Sayali Satghare.

Amit Mishra declares his retirement from the game in all its forms.

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At the end of a professional career that lasted more than 20 years, veteran legspinner Amit Mishra announced his retirement from all forms of cricket.

The 42-year-old Amit Mishra finished his final international match in 2017, but he continued to play in both domestic and IPL cricket, most recently for the Lucknow Super Giants in 2024.

He finishes with 156 international wickets from 22 Test matches, 36 ODIs, and 10 T20Is for India. Mishra made his Test debut in Mohali in 2008, taking five wickets against Australia to honor the occasion.

Throughout the IPL, Mishra proved himself as one of the most reliable spin options for all teams. He is one of the competition’s all-time top wicket-takers with 174 in 162 games. With the Delhi Daredevils (2008), Deccan Chargers (2011), and Sunrisers Hyderabad (2013), he also has the exceptional record of being the first bowler to have three IPL hat-tricks.

Mishra cited injuries and a desire to create room for the next generation when he announced his decision. “I am announcing my retirement from cricket today, after 25 years. Cricket has been my first passion, my teacher, and my biggest source of happiness.

There have been countless feelings along the way, including pride, adversity, education, and love. I owe a debt of gratitude to the Haryana Cricket Association, the BCCI, my coaches, support staff, teammates, and above everyone else my supporters, whose encouragement and faith kept me going at every turn.

No Place for Dane van Niekerk in South Africa’s Women’s World Cup Plans

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Cricket South Africa (CSA) has announced a strong 15-member squad for the upcoming Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025. But the absence of former captain Dane van Niekerk is the biggest talking point. Despite reversing her retirement earlier this year and participating in the team’s training camp. Van Niekerk has not been included in the final roster. Confirming that her return to international cricket will have to wait.

The squad, unveiled on September 3, 2025, will be led by Laura Wolvaardt, who has grown into one of the most consistent batters in women’s cricket. She will have the support of experienced names such as Marizanne Kapp, Chloé Tryon, Suné Luus, and Ayabonga Khaka. South Africa’s selectors have opted for a blend of experience and youth, signaling their confidence in a unit that has shown steady progress over the past two years.

For van Niekerk, however, the disappointment is clear. The 32-year-old all-rounder had retired from international cricket in March 2023 following a series of fitness-related controversies and selection snubs. At the time, she voiced her frustration with CSA’s strict fitness standards, particularly the much-debated 2 km run requirement. Which had kept her out of contention for major tournaments. But in mid-2025, she made a surprise U-turn, withdrawing her retirement and rejoining the national setup through a training camp in Durban.

Dane van Niekerk

It was believed that her return would provide her a chance to mend fences and regain her standing. At the squad announcement, CSA head coach Mandla Mashimbyi made it clear that van Niekerk was never assured a World Cup spot. She was taken to the camp to refresh herself with the expectations and team dynamic. Although this World Cup is too soon for her, there is yet hope. If she wants to make a full comeback, she knows what she has to do,” Mashimbyi said.

The omission reflects CSA’s desire to look forward with a settled core group. In van Niekerk’s absence, leadership within the squad will rely heavily on Wolvaardt and the senior trio of Kapp, Tryon, and Luus. The balance of the side looks strong, with a mix of batting depth, pace options, and spin resources that can adapt to varying conditions expected in the World Cup.

Van Niekerk’s international record remains highly impressive. With more than 100 ODI caps and a reputation as one of South Africa’s finest all-rounders. She played a pivotal role in putting the Proteas on the global women’s cricket map. Her absence from the World Cup, however, underscores the challenges of regaining form and fitness after stepping away from the international stage.

For now, South Africa will march into the tournament with a confident and well-rounded squad. The exclusion of van Niekerk may be disappointing for fans who hoped to see her experience bolster the side. But the team’s focus is firmly on building momentum and achieving their long-cherished dream of lifting a World Cup trophy.

As for van Niekerk, the message is clear: her international journey isn’t necessarily over. But she must prove her readiness once again to reclaim a place among the world’s elite.

Mitchell Starc announced he will retire from T20Is.

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Mitchell Starc wishes to play Test cricket. Particularly as Australia is packed with work from the latter part of 2019 and the 2027 ODI World Cup. Starc debuted in T20I in 2012 and has appeared in 65 matches until now. Mitchell Starc was a member of the Australian team that won the 2021 T20 World Cup. His recent T20I was in 2024, and he retired six months prior to the following T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka. He is now ranked second-highest wicket-taker in T20Is for Australia. With his best being 4 wickets for 20 against the West Indies in 2022.

Starc declared, “My primary priority has always been and will remain Test cricket.”.

I’ve enjoyed all the games I’ve played, particularly the 2021 World Cup, not for winning, but for the team and the wonderful experience we shared.

Australia is set to have a lot of Test matches lined up from mid-2026.

These are a home series against Bangladesh, a tour of South Africa, a four-game series against New Zealand, five Tests in India in January 2027, a special match against England at the MCG for its 150th anniversary, and the Ashes series towards the end of 2027.

During October and November 2027, South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia will stage the ODI World Cup, and Australia will be the champions.

Starc feels quitting T20Is is the best decision for his health and being ready to his potential for the 2027 ODI World Cup, the Ashes, and the Indian Tests.

It also provides the bowling unit with time to prepare.

Mitchell Starc was famous for his yorker and new-ball swing.

Though Australia have won 14 of their previous 17 games since Starc last appeared in a T20I, his pace is not easily replaceable as the team heads to the forthcoming World Cup in India and Sri Lanka.

George Bailey commented, “I don’t think we’ll find someone swinging the new ball at 145 kph.”.

A like-for-like substitute may not necessarily be available. He has worked with the new ball and bowled vital overs when it really counted.

So, have we demonstrated the sort of players who can replace him?

Nathan Ellis has been a regular in the T20 side. Ben Dwarshuis is great. Xavier Bartlett and Sean Abbott have also gotten their chance. It could be just a matter of a slight position adjustment.

I believe his record stands for itself.

I’m happiest that he’ll be playing one-day and Test cricket for a long period of time.

When Australia named their most recent T20I squad for the three-match series against New Zealand early last month in October, Starc made the revelation.

Cameron Green can become a returnee to bowling by missing out on the trip to feature for Western Australia in the Sheffield Shield.

Nathan Ellis will be absent when his first child with his wife, Connie, is born.

Matt Short, who was absent from the last two series against the West Indies and South Africa with a side injury, has returned. Mitchell Owen, concussed in Darwin last month, also returns. Marcus Stoinis, who played in the Hundred and was not picked for the last two series. Returns having come to terms with the selectors regarding his availability.

Australia T20I team vs New Zealand:

Mitchell Marsh (captain), Sean Abbott, Xavier Bartlett, Tim David, Ben Dwarshuis, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Matt Kuhnemann, Glenn Maxwell, Mitchell Owen, Matthew Short, Marcus Stoinis, and Adam Zampa.

Rahul Dravid has left his role as the head coach of the Rajasthan Royals

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A surprising decision made before the IPL 2026 season. The team confirmed his departure, explaining that while he was offered a more strategic role as part of a recent change in the team’s structure, Rahul Dravid chose not to take it.

Rahul Dravid has a long history with the Royals.

He played for them from 2011 to 2013, captained the team during that time, and then acted as a mentor from 2014 to 2015. In early 2025, after leading the Indian team to win the T20 World Cup, he was hired as the head coach under a multi-year contract. His return was seen as a way to bring new energy and direction to the team. But the 2025 season didn’t go well for the Royals.

They only won four games out of 14, finishing ninth in the league and missing out on the playoffs. This poor performance put pressure on the team to rethink their coaching and leadership structure.

As part of a restructuring effort, the franchise proposed a more strategic, less hands-on role for Dravid.
The team highlighted the positive impact he had on the team’s culture and leadership. However, Dravid turned down the offer, which led to his exit.

Behind the scenes, there are reports of some tension.

Some sources suggest that there were disagreements over captaincy and leadership choices. The team is pushing to develop Riyan Parag as a future captain, which some feel could be at the expense of experienced players like Sanju Samson and Yashasvi Jaiswal. This shift clashed with Dravid’s belief in leadership based on performance rather than brand image.

Further speculation came from former Royals player AB de Villiers, who said Dravid’s exit “looked like he was kicked out.”
This suggests that Dravid’s decision to not take the new role might not have been entirely of his own volition.

Despite the rumors, both the franchise and Dravid have handled the situation with respect.
The Royals issued a heartfelt statement thanking Dravid for his contributions, and there was no public argument from him.

With the head coach position now open, the Royals have a big off-season ahead.
Decisions about who will take over as coach and captain will be important for the team’s future and how they plan to compete in IPL 2026.

Injured Craig Ervine Ruled Out of Sri Lanka ODIs

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Zimbabwe have been dealt a major setback ahead of their ODI series against Sri Lanka. As veteran batter Craig Ervine has been ruled out due to injury. The experienced left-hander, who has been a cornerstone of Zimbabwe’s batting line-up for over a decade. Sustained a muscle strain during training and has failed to recover in time for the three-match series.

Ervine’s absence is a huge blow for Zimbabwe, considering his wealth of experience and calm presence in the middle order. With more than 100 ODIs under his belt and over 3,000 runs in the format. The 39-year-old was expected to play a crucial role against a strong Sri Lankan side on home soil.

Zimbabwe vs Sri Lanka

Confirming the news, Zimbabwe Cricket stated that Ervine would remain under medical supervision and rehabilitation, with a focus on regaining full fitness ahead of future assignments. “Craig’s injury is unfortunate at this stage, but we don’t want to risk aggravating it further. Our medical team is working closely with him to ensure a safe recovery,” the board said in an official statement.

The selectors have named a replacement in the squad, with Tadiwanashe Marumani expected to fill the gap. While the youngster brings energy and flair, Zimbabwe will sorely miss Ervine’s composure and ability to anchor long innings — qualities that have often been vital in their batting structure.

Craig Ervine

Ervine has had a decorated international career, serving as Zimbabwe’s captain on several occasions and delivering match-winning performances across formats. His calm temperament under pressure and ability to build partnerships have made him one of the most respected figures in the Zimbabwean setup.

Ervine’s absence might be advantageous for Sri Lanka. But the visitors remain wary of Zimbabwe’s fighting spirit at home. The upcoming ODIs are crucial for both teams as they look to build momentum in the lead-up to future ICC events.

Head coach Dave Houghton expressed his disappointment but urged the squad to rise to the challenge. “Craig has been a backbone of our batting order for years. It’s unfortunate to lose him at this point. But this also provides opportunities for younger players to step up and prove themselves.”

The series is expected to test Zimbabwe’s depth and resilience. Especially against a disciplined Sri Lankan bowling attack. Much will depend on the form of Sean Williams, Sikandar Raza, and captain Regis Chakabva to carry the batting responsibility in Ervine’s absence.

Zimbabwe’s fans, though disheartened by the news, will be hopeful that their team can rally together and deliver strong performances despite the setback. As for Ervine, the focus now shifts to recovery, with hopes that he will return fully fit for the next phase of Zimbabwe’s international commitments.

Proteas Boost: Dane van Niekerk Ends Retirement Ahead of CWC 2025

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In a social media post on August 25 (Monday), former South African captain Dane van Niekerk declared that she had withdrawn her retirement from the game. During the 2024–25 season, the 32-year-old made her comeback to domestic cricket for Western Province. She was later added to the 20-member extended group for the August 25–September 1 pre-World Cup training camp in Durban.

“I’m happy to declare that I’ve made the decision to not retire from international cricket. The absence has made me realize how much I’ve missed representing my nation. I’m determined to do all in my power to have that chance again,” she posted on Instagram.

The former South Africa captain resigned in 2023 at the age of 29. After failing to satisfy the fitness standards needed to be selected for a home T20 World Cup squad. For the tournament, Sune Luus assumed the role of captain.

Van Niekerk played 194 games for South Africa, including 1 Test, 86 T20Is, and 107 ODIs. Throughout her international career, she scored 4074 runs and claimed 204 wickets. Additionally, she captained South Africa for 50 ODIs and 30 T20Is, winning 29 and 15 games, respectively.

During the Covid era, she suffered numerous injuries despite being a stalwart in South Africa. She missed the most of the 2020 season due to a lower back ailment. She was unable to compete in the 2022 ICC World Cup in New Zealand because of an ankle issue.

In addition to expressing regret to Cricket South Africa (CSA) for how she handled her retirement. Van Niekerk, now 32, expressed her desire to play for South Africa once more. I genuinely apologize to Cricket South Africa and the cricket community for my retirement. I am incredibly appreciative of the chance to perhaps showcase my abilities on a global level once more in the future.

South Africa will travel to Pakistan.

As a final preparation for the ODI World Cup in India and Sri Lanka, South Africa will choose the side that will fly to Lahore for a three-match ODI series against hosts Pakistan from September 16 to 22. After the Durban training camp.

Laura Wolvaardt, Marizanne Kapp, and Chloe Tryon. Who are all presently competing in the Hundred Competition, are not included in the 20-player camp.

South Africa Women’s training squad:

Tazmin Brits, Nadine de Klerk, Annerie Dercksen, Lara Goodall, Anneke Bosch, Ayanda Hlubi, Sinalo Jafta, Ayabonga Khaka, Masabata Klaas, Sune Luus, Eliz-Mari Marx, Karabo Meso, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Seshnie Naidu, Luyanda Nzuza, Tumi Sekhukhune, Nondumiso Shangase, Miane Smit, Faye Tunnicliffe, and Dane van Niekerk

South Africa Rests Prenelan Subrayen for Final ODIs After Suspect Bowling Action Report

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Prenelan Subrayen, an all-rounder for South Africa, has been mentioned for suspect bowling behavior. After Tuesday’s first ODI in Cairns against Australia.

The offspinner dismissed opener Travis Head with a 98-run victory, taking 1 for 46 in his ten overs. South Africa now leads 1-0. Subrayen, 31, made his ODI debut nearly two months after earning his first Test cap in Bulawayo against Zimbabwe.

South Africa hopes Prenelan Subrayen can visit Cricket Australia’s National Cricket Centre in Brisbane. Where Australia’s left-arm spinner Matthew Kuhnemann was tested earlier. This year, to complete an independent evaluation of his action at an ICC-accredited testing facility within 14 days.

When delivering the ball, bowlers are allowed to extend their elbows by 15 degrees. They can keep bowling in matches until the outcome of their test is known. Nevertheless, the team has decided that Subrayen will not participate until he has finished the testing process, South Africa coach Shukri Conrad stated on Thursday.

“I’m free to play,” Conrad replied. Playing is permitted until you are tested.

We simply felt that there was less noise that he was out of the spotlight, that he was safe, and that he had focused on the tests.

Our goal is to have him tested as quickly as possible, and we hope to do it in Brisbane. That works for everyone. We hope to receive it as soon as possible because we are traveling to the UK via Brisbane.

The Subrayen has previously come under fire for his behavior. After two independent examinations determined that his action was illegal. Cricket South Africa (CSA) placed him under rehabilitation in December 2012. In January 2013, he was cleared to bowl once more following retesting and corrective work.

Subrayen was banned from bowling after an assessment of his action found all of his deliveries above the 15-degree restriction in September 2014. During the Champions League T20 event in India and again during a domestic T20 match in November 2015. After his action was certified at the CSA’s High Performance Centre in March 2016. He was eventually allowed to continue bowling after failing a reassessment in January 2016.

Conrad stated he has experienced this technique before. “Never is it simple. He has been waiting a long time to make his debut, but we are supporting him. We’ll take it from there after a lot becomes known next week.

12 balls have been flagged by [the ICC] and sent to us. During the test, he must replicate those 12 balls. In order to motivate him and learn more about how these things operate. We will be sending our bowling coach, Piet Botha, along with him.

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