Category: Cricket

DHARAMSALA: Afghanistan opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz came close to matching Shahid Afridi’s record for the fastest century against India in the ODI series opener at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium.

The fixture started after a four-hour and 15-minute delay due to persistent rain, with the match reduced to 25 overs per side.

Put into bat first, Afghanistan lost three early wickets for 26 in 4.3 overs. However, after early wickets, Gurbaz held the innings together, forging 118 runs for the fourth wicket with skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi to lift his side.

Gurbaz smashed a 48-ball century — the fastest by an Afghanistan batter in ODI cricket. The wicket-keeper batter scored 102 off 51 balls, hitting eight sixes and eight boundaries.

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In doing so, he surpassed Mohammad Shahzad’s record of a 72-ball hundred against Scotland in 2010. It was Gurbaz’s ninth ODI century.

Fastest ODI hundreds for Afghanistan

48 – Rahmanullah Gurbaz vs IND, Dharamsala, 2026

72 – Mohammad Shahzad vs SCOT, Alloway, 2010

72 – Karim Sadiq vs NED, Sharjah, 2012

85 – Nawroz Mangal vs SCOT, Sharjah, 2013

85 – Mohammad Shahzad vs IRE, Belfast, 2019

However, Gurbaz fell just short of former Pakistan all-rounder Shahid Afridi record for the fastest century against India, set in 45 balls 21 years ago.

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He was eventually dismissed by pacer Nitish Kumar Reddy in the 16th over before the visitors lost their way in the closing overs.

Fastest ODI hundreds vs India

45 – Shahid Afridi (PAK), Kanpur, 2005

48 – Rahmanullah Gurbaz (AFG), Dharamsala, 2026

57 – James Faulkner (AUS), Bengaluru, 2013

57 – AB de Villiers (SA), Mumbai WS, 2015

57 – Michael Bracewell (NZ), Hyderabad, 2023

Afghanistan were bowled out for 194 in 24.5 overs, with the debutant pair of Gurnoor Brar and Harsh Dubey picking up three wickets each.

READ: England call up uncapped seamer as cover for Ollie Robinson

England have included uncapped Henry Crocombe ahead of the second Test against New Zealand as cover for fast bowler Ollie Robinson.

Robinson, who impressed on his return to international cricket with seven wickets in the match, felt knee soreness following a training session on Saturday. The right-arm medium pacer will undergo a “precautionary” scan tomorrow.The

England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) confirmed the addition in a press release statement.

“Uncapped seamer Henry Crocombe has been called into the England Men’s Test squad as cover for Ollie Robinson. Robinson experienced knee soreness after a training session on Friday and is set to undergo a precautionary scan on Saturday, June 13,” the board confirmed in a press release statement.

Jofra Archer and Jordan Cox have also been brought into the squad ahead of the second Test against New Zealand, starting on Wednesday at The Kia Oval.

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The second fixture of the three-match series begins on Wednesday at Trent Bridge.

The 24-year-old Crocombe has collected 21 wickets at an average of 28.61 in seven County Championship matches for Sussex in 2026. He also impressed for England Lions against South Africa A last month.

Overall, he has picked up 104 wickets in the 47 matches at an average of 36.32, including a five-wicket haul

The Three Lions have been without the services of seamer Gus Atkinson and Ben Stokes after a nightclub incident.

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Crocombe has never been added to the England squad, but has been mentioned by England coach Brendon McCullum and managing director Rob Key in recent weeks.

The other seamers in the squad are Josh Tongue, Jofra Archer, Sonny Baker, and Matt Fisher for the second New Zealand Test.

England Updated Squad for Second Test

Joe Root (captain), Rehan Ahmed, Jofra Archer, Sonny Baker, Shoaib Bashir, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Jordan Cox, Ben Duckett, Matthew Fisher, Emilio Gay, James Rew, Ollie Robinson, Jamie Smith, Henry Crocombe, and Josh Tongue.

READ: England World Cup gear stolen ahead of training camp in Kansas City

Batter Will Young was drafted into the New Zealand Test squad on Saturday in place of Kane Williamson, who called time on his international career mid-series against England.

Young will arrive in London on Sunday and join the squad ahead of the second Test at the Oval from Wednesday, Cricket New Zealand said.

Williamson, New Zealand’s most prolific run-scorer, stunned the cricketing world with his retirement announcement on Friday ahead of the second Test.

The 35-year-old former skipper, who played in the first England Test, said that “it just feels like the right time for me to step away”.

“I feel really good about it,” said Williamson, one of the ‘Fab Four’ batter of his generation alongside India’s Virat Kohli, Australia’s Steve Smith and England’s Joe Root.

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His decision sparked a slew of praise from some of the leading lights of the game.

“From an opponent to a friend over the years,” Kohli said of Williamson.

“It’s been a pleasure watching you bat and compete against you over so many years but more than that I value our friendship and shared perspectives on the game and beyond.”

Fellow Indian great Sachin Tendulkar was equally effusive.

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“A thorough gentleman and a true role model for youngsters,” Tendulkar said. “His retirement will probably be received with unexpected relief in more than a few bowling camps.”

Young has played 23 Tests but is yet to score a century, with a highest score of 89.

England lead the three-Test series 1-0 after winning the opener at Lord’s by 115 runs.

READ: Ex-pacer tips Vaibhav Sooryavanshi to surpass Tendulkar, Kohli

LAHORE: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Director of High Performance (DHP) Aqib Javed has addressed the omission of fast bowler Shaheen Afridi from the ongoing red-ball camp at the National Cricket Academy.

Aqib responded to questions regarding Shaheen’s absence from the red-ball camp, amid eports suggesting that he and Noman Ali have been left out of the red-ball camp, with a focus on white-ball cricket.

Aqib responded to questions regarding Shaheen’s absence from the red-ball camp, amid reports suggesting that he had been left out with a focus on white-ball cricket.

“There is nothing permanent,” Aqib said in response.

Shaheen’s recent Test appearance came against Bangladesh last month, where he took five wickets in th the match. He was subsequently replaced by Khurram Shehzad for the second Test.

The PCB has named 22 players for the red-ball camp, with Shaheen among several notable absentees. However, he is part of the 27-member white-ball group that is due to report on 15 June.

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Aqib also commented on Pakistan’s approach for Asian Games 2026, saying that the emphasis was on balancing experience with youth development.

“As for your point about the team India have announced and the squad we have selected, our approach from the very beginning was that tournaments like these provide an opportunity to give chances to both our core players and promising youngsters,” explained Aqib.

“Our plan was to field a mix of experienced and young players. I am hopeful that, just as these players have beaten India and given them a tough time at the Under-19 and Shaheen-level competitions, they can deliver similar performances at this level as well.”

For those unaware, Pakistan will compete alongside India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan in the 10-team Asian Games, set to be held in September.

Nepal, Malaysia, Hong Kong, and Oman qualified through regional qualifiers in Singapore, while Japan entered as hosts.

Pakistan squad for Asian Games:

Sahibzada Farhan (c), Abdul Samad (vc), Abrar Ahmed, Ahmed Daniyal, Akif Javed, Ali Raza, Arafat Minhas, Haider Ali, Hasan Nawaz, Maaz Sadaqat, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Saad Masood, Saim Ayub, Sufyan Moqim and Usman Khan (wk).

READ: Virat Kohli shares touching farewell message for Kane Williamson

India ace batter Virat Kohli has paid tribute to New Zealand’s retiring batter Kane Williamson in a social media post. 

Kohli to the social media platform, recalling cherished memories alongside Williamson.

“From an opponent to a friend over the years. It’s been a pleasure watching you bat and compete against you over so many years but more than that, I value our friendship and shared perspectives on the game and beyond,” he wrote.

“I continue to cherish every time we speak or meet. Wishing you nothing but the best always brother. You’ve done your bit, you deserve to enjoy all of it now and put your feet up. Well done mate, life’s only just begun,” he added.

Earlier, Kane Williamson called time on his glittering international career spanning 15 years before the second Test against New Zealand at the Oval Cricket Ground.

Williamson made his debut for New Zealand in 2010 against India at Ahmedabad. He finished as the White Ferns’ highest run scorer, amassing 19,346, including 48 centuries and six double-centuries.

Widely regarded for his leadership style on the field, Kane finished his Test career at  9,515 runs at an average of 54.06, including 33 centuries.

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His leadership style was much admired, and he captained the side in all three formats during a golden period from 2016 to 2024.

During that time, New Zealand reached two World Cup finals and three semi-finals, and won the inaugural World Test Championship in 2021.

He was named as the ICC Cricketer of 2015 and Test player of the year in 2019, while also winning the domestic Sir Richard Hadlee Medal on a record four occasions.

READ: Babar Azam pens heartfelt message on Kane Williamson’s retirement

Pakistan top-order batter Babar Azam has shared his reaction to New Zealand’s legendary batter Kane Williamson’s retirement from international cricket. 

Earlier today, Williamson called time on his international cricketing career ahead of the second Test at The Oval against New Zealand.

In a statement from New Zealand Cricket, the stalwart confirmed his retirement and revealed the reason for calling time on his glittering career.

Babar took to the social media platform X to acknowledge Williamson’s impact on global cricket.

Taking to the social media platform ‘X’, Babar reflected on the mutual respect between the two players and praised Williamson’s consistency, sportsmanship, and leadership that left a lasting impact on world cricket.

“Kane Williamson it was an honour to share the field with you. Every contest taught me something new. You leave the game better than you found it. Thank you for the standard you set champ! Happy retirement,” Babar wrote.

Williamson made his debut for New Zealand in 2010 against India at Ahmedabad. He finished as the BlackCaps highest run scorer, amassing 19,346, including 48 centuries and six double-centuries.

Widely regarded for his leadership style on the field, Kane finished his Test career at  9,515 runs at an average of 54.06, including 33 centuries.

Catch all FIFA World Cup 2026 live updates here!

His leadership style was much admired, and he captained the side in all three formats during a golden period from 2016 to 2024.

During that time, New Zealand reached two World Cup finals and three semi-finals, and won the inaugural World Test Championship in 2021.

He was named as the ICC Cricketer of 2015 and Test player of the year in 2019, while also winning the domestic Sir Richard Hadlee Medal on a record four occasions.

READ: Ex-pacer tips Vaibhav Sooryavanshi to surpass Tendulkar, Kohli

Former South Africa pacer Dale Steyn predicted that teenage India sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi would surpass batting icons Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli.

Speaking during the South Africa 20 (SA20) media interaction, Steyn made a bold prediction, saying that Sooryavanshi could eclipse the achievements of both Tendulkar and Kohli by the end of his career.

“You think of guys like Sachin, Virat, and this kid is going to explode. He’s going to be bigger than both of them put together at the end of his career,” Steyn said.

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He praised the 15-year-old batter, describing the left-hander as a generational talent for India.

“Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is a different gravy. He’s better than most international players right now. He’s a genuine boy wonder and a treasure for Indian cricket,” he added.

However, Steyn cautioned that the youngster would need to be managed carefully to ensure his long-term development.

“So I’d be very careful about how he’s managed and looked after. With great responsibility comes great reward, but there’s also a risk that you could lose him along the way if he isn’t handled properly,” he said.

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The 42-year-old also admitted that South Africa currently has no teenage prospect capable of matching Sooryavanshi’s talent.

“As for South Africa, no, we don’t have a 14- or 15-year-old who can rival him right now. But we do have some exceptional talent, including a lot of players in their twenties who will push through and represent South Africa in the years ahead,” he concluded.

For those unaware, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi rose to prominence during IPL 2025, where he smashed the second-fastest IPL century. His batting at higher strike rates got praise from global cricketing icons.

Earlier this year, he also helped India lift the U19 World Cup, smashing his way to 175 off just 80 balls against England in the final.

He carried his batting brilliance in the IPL 2026, finishing the tournament with 776 runs in 16 innings at a staggering strike-rate of 237.30 for the Rajasthan Royals.

Apart from securing the Orange Cap, he also collected the Best Emerging Player award, becoming the first cricketer in IPL history to win both the MVP and Emerging Player honors in the same season.

READ: New Zealand great Kane Williamson retires from international cricket

New Zealand’s most prolific run-scorer and arguably greatest batter Kane Williamson announced his immediate retirement from international cricket on Friday in the middle of their series against England.

The 35-year-old former skipper called time ahead of the second Test at The Oval next week. He played in the Black Caps’ defeat in the first Test at Lord’s, making 0 and 18.

“I’ve thought about it for a while, but over the last few days it’s become clear now is the right time,” he said.

“I’ve always felt a strong drive and hunger for international cricket, and I take pride in knowing I’ve given it my all in every match I’ve played for New Zealand.

“Continuing with anything less wouldn’t be right and I feel fortunate to step away on my own terms.

Williamson said he felt “optimistic” about the team’s direction.

“There’s a huge amount of talent and a real desire to do something special with this New Zealand team,” he said.

Williamson made his international debut in 2010 and played 378 games for his country, finishing as New Zealand’s all-time leading run-scorer with 19,346 including 48 centuries and six double-centuries.

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He played 110 Tests, smacking 33 centuries on his way to 9,515 runs at an average of 54.06.

His leadership style was much admired and he captained the side in all three formats during a golden period from 2016 to 2024.

During that time, New Zealand made two World Cup finals, three semi-finals, and won the inaugural World Test Championship in 2021.

“Anyone who’s had the privilege of working with Kane understands he is a very special player and person,” said New Zealand coach Rob Walter.

“His numbers and batting skills speak for themselves, but it’s what he means to this Black Caps team, as well as world cricket — that will be his legacy.

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“His impact on the culture and standards of this team will remain embedded in its DNA.”

Williamson’s list of accolades is immense, including being named the ICC Cricketer of 2015 and Test player of the year in 2019, while also winning the domestic Sir Richard Hadlee Medal on a record four occasions.

New Zealand great Hadlee hailed him as “a wonderful player and fine leader”.

“He’s demonstrated a willingness to continually advance his game to the highest level in all three formats and he rightfully finishes as one of the best players of his era,” he said.

“The way he prepared himself physically and mentally was perhaps the most impressive part. He was always committed to working hard and developing his technique to ensure he was ready to be a world class player.

“He’s been an unflappable leader and the architect of some of our greatest moments in cricket.”

READ: Thibaut Courtois likely to retire after FIFA World Cup 2026

KINGSTON: Skipper Shai Hope produced a composed unbeaten half-century to lead West Indies to a convincing seven-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in the opening T20I of the three-match series at Sabina Park on Thursday.

Chasing 148 for victory, the hosts completed the target comfortably in 19.2 overs, losing just three wickets as they took a 1–0 lead in the series.

Sri Lanka, after opting to bat first, were restricted to 147-9 despite a fighting half-century from Kamindu Mendis. The visitors struggled to build momentum as West Indies’ bowlers maintained control throughout the innings.

Kamindu top-scored with 51 off 39 balls, striking four boundaries and two sixes to register his fourth T20I fifty. However, his innings ended in unfortunate fashion when he was run out, with Shai Hope involved in the fielding effort.

Sri Lanka’s batting effort also featured contributions from captain Kusal Mendis and Dasun Shanaka. Kusal made 36 off 23 deliveries, hitting two fours and three sixes before falling to Shamar Joseph, while Shanaka added 22 off 23 balls.

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For the West Indies, Jason Holder and Shamar Joseph were the standout bowlers, both picking up three wickets each, while Roston Chase chipped in with one wicket.

In response, West Indies got off to a strong start through Brandon King, who smashed 37 off 22 deliveries, including three sixes, to set the tone for the chase.

Shimron Hetmyer added a quick 17 off nine balls, while Roston Chase and Rovman Powell also made useful contributions to keep the scoreboard moving.

However, the innings was anchored by skipper Shai Hope, who stayed unbeaten on 65 off 54 balls. His innings, featuring five fours and two sixes, ensured there were no late hiccups as West Indies eased past the target.

Sri Lanka’s Wanindu Hasaranga picked up two wickets, while Eshan Malinga claimed one, but the total proved insufficient to challenge the home side.

READ: From Messi to Mbappe: Records on the line at FIFA World Cup 2026

The ICC Men’s ODI World Cup 2027 is set to return to African soil for the first time in nearly a quarter of a century, with the tournament provisionally scheduled to run from October 4 to November 21 across South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.

According to reports, the proposed dates of the World Cup 2027 were approved during a recent International Cricket Council (ICC) board meeting in Ahmedabad, with formal ratification expected at the ICC Annual General Meeting in Edinburgh next month.

South Africa is expected to shoulder the bulk of the hosting responsibilities, with Cricket South Africa (CSA) likely to stage at least 41 of the tournament’s 54 matches across eight venues.

Zimbabwe is set to host between eight and 10 fixtures, while Namibia is expected to stage three matches.

The 2027 edition will mark the first men’s ODI World Cup in Africa since the 2003 tournament, which was jointly hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Kenya.

Zimbabwe’s role in the event is also set to expand, with a third venue expected to be added alongside Harare Sports Club and Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo.

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The new Fale Mosi-oa-Tunya International Cricket Stadium in Victoria Falls is reportedly nearing completion and is expected to host domestic cricket later this year before its official inauguration in 2027.

Plans for South Africa to play an international fixture at the venue this August have reportedly been shelved, although the ground remains on course to be included in the World Cup venue list.

The upcoming tournament will also see the ODI World Cup revert to a 14-team format after the previous two editions featured only 10 teams.

The participating sides will be divided into two groups of seven, with the top three teams from each group advancing to the Super Six stage.

As Full Members, South Africa and Zimbabwe are expected to qualify automatically for the tournament. Namibia, however, will need to secure its place through the qualification pathway.

The event will also hold added significance as it is set to become the first major tournament of the ICC’s 2027–2031 Future Tours Programme (FTP), which governs the international bilateral calendar.

READ: FIFA World Cup 2026: Groups, full schedule and Pakistan match timings