Tag: india

India’s left-arm wrist spinner, Kuldeep Yadav, has been released from the T20I squad for the remaining two matches against Australia by the team management.

The decision was made as the team management shifted focus to red-ball preparations ahead of the upcoming Test series against South Africa.

Kuldeep will now join the India A squad for the second unofficial Test against South Africa A, scheduled to begin on November 6 at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru.

The move is part of India’s build-up for their two-Test series against the reigning World Test Championship holders, South Africa.

The first Test will be played at Eden Gardens in Kolkata from November 14, followed by the second in Guwahati starting November 22.

Kuldeep Yadav, who did not feature in India’s series-levelling T20I win in Hobart, last played a Test in October 2024 against New Zealand.

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His opportunities in the longest format have been limited, though he impressed earlier this year with 12 wickets, including a five-for, during the two-Test series against the West Indies.

The spinner’s inclusion in the India A setup underlines the selectors’ intent to fine-tune red-ball specialists ahead of the marquee South Africa series.

Meanwhile, Rishabh Pant, continuing his comeback from a foot injury sustained in England, will once again lead India A. Pant struck a composed 90 in the second innings of the first four-day match, which India won by three wickets.

Other senior names in the India A squad include KL Rahul, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Dhruv Jurel, and Devdutt Padikkal, with Sai Sudharsan serving as vice-captain.

India A Squad for 2nd Four-Day Match: Rishabh Pant (c & wk), KL Rahul, Dhruv Jurel (wk), Sai Sudharsan (vc), Devdutt Padikkal, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Harsh Dubey, Tanush Kotian, Manav Suthar, Khaleel Ahmed, Gurnoor Brar, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Prasidh Krishna, Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep, and Kuldeep Yadav.

India Squad for 4th & 5th T20Is vs Australia: Suryakumar Yadav (c), Shubman Gill (vc), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Sanju Samson (wk), Rinku Singh, Washington Sundar, Varun Chakaravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, and Harshit Rana.

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NAVI MUMBAI: Shafali Verma and Deepti Sharma’s all-round brilliance helped India beat South Africa and seal the maiden ICC Women’s World Cup title.

Set a stiff 299, South Africa crumbled under pressure and were bowled out for 246 in 45.3 overs.

Tazmin Brits and skipper Laura Wolvaardt started strong with a half-century partnership that culminated with the former’s wicket, courtesy of a brilliant direct hit from Amanjot Kaur.

She made 23 from 35 with the help of two fours and a six.

India took another wicket in a short span, removing Anneke Bosch for a duck, which put them on top. However, it was Wolvaardt, who stood in their way, forging a string of partnerships with the middle-order batters that kept South Africa’s scorecard ticking.

She added 52 with Sune Luus and Annerie Dercksen that kept them alive in the contest. But, Shafali Verma had another plans as she picked two crucial wickets of Luss and Kapp, which left the Proteas reeling.

Despite the wickets tumbing around her, Wolvaardt stood firm and notched up a century.

However, once she fell after scoring 101 from 98, laced with 11 fours and a six, South Africa’s innings derailed from 220-7 to 246 all-out and eventually India a historic victory.

The star of bowling was Deepti Sharma, who picked up a five-wicket haul in 9.3 overs.

Earlier, Shafali Verma set the tone with 87 from 78 before Deepti Sharma’s brisk half-century and Richa Ghosh’s cameo propelled India to a strong total.

Put into bat first after a two-hour rain delay, India piled up 298-7 in their 50 overs.

Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma forged a century stand for the opening wicket, adding 104 in 17.4 overs. Both batters capitalized on the lightning-fast outfield and accelerated the scoring rate with a flurry of boundaries.

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The Proteas got a sigh of relief when Smriti Mandhana was caught behind off.
Chloe Tryon’s bowling. She made 45 off 58 balls, studded with eight boundaries.

Meanwhile, Verma continued on and reached her half-century on 49 balls. Despite the wicket, South Africa could not stem the scoring rate as previous match centurion Jemima Rodrigues and Verma paired up for a 62-run stand.

The duo brought the team’s total to 166 in 27.5 overs. At this moment, the hosts were cruising; however, they were jolted by the prized wicket of Shafali Verma, who missed out on her century. She struck seven fours and two sixes in her knock.

The highlight of the Indian innings was the partnership despite South Africa making a strong comeback in the second half of the innings. Jemimah Rodrigues followed Verma after making 24 from 37 balls.

Consequently, India were 171-3 in 29.4 overs. South Africa did well to restrict India under 300 with wickets in the 30th to 40th overs.

Yet, Deepti Sharma and Richa Ghosh ensured that their side did not lose plot, adding a 47 from just 35 for the sixth wicket partnership.

Sharma was run out on the final ball of the innings, scoring runs in a ball 58 with the help of a six and three boundaries, while Gosh scored 34 from 24, including three fours and two sixes.

For South Africa, Ayabonga Khaka remained the pick of the bowling, bagging three wickets in her nine overs.

READ: Arshdeep, Washington star as India edge Australia to level T20I series

HOBART: All-rounder Washington Sundar truly arrived for India with a match-winning 49* from just 23, stepping up when they needed it most here at Bellerive Oval in the second T20I against Australia.

India chased down the stiff 187-run target in 18.3 overs on the loss of five wickets with nine balls to spare. With this win, the Men in Blue levelled the five-match series 1-1.

The star of the night was Washington Sundar, who arrived when India were 111-4 in 11.1 overs. The left-hander forged two crucial stands, first with Tilak Verma off 34 runs and then 43 from just 25 balls with Jitesh Sharma, which took his side over the line.

Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill started strong with 33 on the board in 3.3 overs. Sharma got going with six in the over, followed by four, six, and four in the second over.

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However, Ellis got better off him in the third over with a bouncer. The left-hander perished after making a brisk 25 from just 16 balls, striking two fours and two sixes.

Meanwhile, Gill, who is yet to impress on the tour, departed after scoring just 15 from 12 balls. As a result, India were 61-2 in 5.3 overs. Skipper Suryakumar Yadav, meanwhile, was looking good but was dismissed in the seventh over, which lifted Australia.

He made 24 from just 11, with the help of two sixes and a four.

Australia continued to chip away with wickets at regular intervals, but Washington’s brisk batting took the game away from them. He hit four sixes and three fours in his knock. Abhishek Sharma, who replaced Sanju Samson in the side, made 22* from 13, striking three fours.

For Australia, Nathan Ellis remained the pick of the bowlers, scalping three wickets in his quota of four overs.

Earlier, after being put into bat, Australia racked up 186-6 in their 20 overs, courtesy of Tim David’s explosive 38-ball 74, which included five sixes and eight fours.

He rescued Australia from a precarious position of 14-2 in 2.3 overs and hit a brisk fifty. Like David, Marcus Stoinis also rose to the occasion and hit 64 from 39 balls, which provided the home side a strong finish.

For India, Arshdeep Singh gave 35 and picked three critical wickets in four overs, while Varun Chakravarthy bowled well for his two wickets.

READ: WATCH: Pakistan, South Africa touch down in Faisalabad for historic ODI series

NAVI MUMBAI: South Africa have won the toss and decided to bowl first against India after a two-hour rain delay in the ICC Women’s World Cup final here at the DY Patil Stadium on Sunday.

South Africa and India are unchanged for the summit clash and will aim for history to secure their first World Cup title in the tournament’s 52-year history.

Playing XIs

India XI: Shafali Verma, Smriti Mandhana, Jemimah Rodrigues, Harmanpreet Kaur (capt), Richa Ghosh (wk), Deepti Sharma, Amanjot Kaur, Radha Yadav, Kranti Gaud, Shree Charani, Renuka Singh

South Africa XI: Laura Wolvaardt (capt), Tazmin Brits, Anneke Bosch, Sune Luus, Marizanne Kapp, Annerie Dercksen, Sinalo Jafta (wk), Chloe Tryon, Nadine de Klerk, Ayabonga Khaka, Nonkululeko Mlaba

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The upcoming second Test between India and South Africa in Guwahati is reportedly set to feature a tea interval before the lunch break.

The Test, starting November 22 at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium, will not only mark the venue’s debut as India’s newest Test ground but will also see the tea interval preceding the lunch break.

This unusual arrangement stems from Guwahati’s geographical location on India’s eastern edge, where daylight fades much earlier than in the western parts of the country.

Since India follows a single time zone, the early sunset has forced match officials to tweak the playing hours.

As a result, the day’s play will begin at 9:00 AM local time and end by 4:00 PM, with sessions divided as follows:

• First session: 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
• Second session: 11:20 AM – 1:20 PM
• Final session: 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM (extendable till 4:30 PM if needed)

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Unlike the usual order of lunch followed by tea, the Guwahati Test will have a 20-minute tea interval first, followed by a 40-minute lunch break, a first in international cricket.

Interestingly, the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) Test Match Playing Conditions do not prohibit the reversal.

Section 11.2.1 only specifies the duration of the two intervals, 40 minutes for lunch and 20 minutes for tea, and allows flexibility in timing with mutual agreement between boards and ICC approval.

There’s no clause mandating that lunch must precede tea.

READ: Shreyas Iyer discharged from hospital in Sydney

SYDNEY: India’s ODI vice-captain Shreyas Iyer was discharged from the Sydney hospital on Saturday following a spleen laceration he sustained during the third ODI against Australia on October 25.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed on Saturday that Iyer is now “stable and recovering well” after undergoing a minor procedure to stop internal bleeding.

He will remain in Sydney for further medical evaluation before returning to India once cleared fit to travel.

“The injury was promptly identified, and the bleeding was immediately arrested following a minor procedure,” BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia said in a statement.

“He has undergone appropriate medical management for the same. The BCCI medical team, along with specialists in Sydney and India, are pleased with his recovery, and he has been discharged from the hospital today.”

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The 30-year-old was treated by Dr Koroush Haghighi and his team in Sydney, with assistance from Dr Dinshaw Pardiwala in India.

Iyer’s injury occurred when he completed a diving catch to dismiss Alex Carey during the Sydney ODI.

He was seen clutching his rib cage and signaling for medical attention before being taken off the field.

Subsequent scans revealed internal bleeding caused by a spleen laceration, leading to his ICU admission for observation.

India went on to win the final ODI by nine wickets but lost the three-match series 2–1. The visitors trail 1–0 in the T20I series currently underway in Australia.

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The International Cricket Council (ICC) has revealed the match officials for the final of the Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025.

The summit clash will be played between hosts India and South Africa on Sunday at the Dr. DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai.

Australia’s Eloise Sheridan and West Indies’ Jacquline Williams will take the responsibilities for on-field umpiring, while Sue Redfern will serve as the Third Umpire.

Both officials have had an active role throughout the group stage, including the semi-final between England and South Africa.

Sheridan also oversaw England’s commanding 10-wicket win over South Africa as well as the Proteas’ victory against Pakistan.

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Meanwhile, Williams stood in South Africa’s triumphs against India and Bangladesh and England’s mixed outings against India and Australia.

The Fourth Umpire will be Nimali Perera, and Michelle Pereira will occupy the role of the Match Referee.

For context, both teams will be eyeing their maiden title, a feat they have never achieved in the tournament’s 52-year history.

South Africa have demonstrated outstanding performances throughout the tournament and finished in second spot on the points table. The Proteas women also toppled four-time champions England in the semi-final with a statement win.

On the contrary, India had a topsy-turvy campaign, finishing in fourth position on the table. However, they bounced back in the later part of the tournament. They clinched a memorable win over the seven-time champions, Australia, in the second semi-final of the marquee event.

Match officials for India vs South Africa final

On-field Umpires: Eloise Sheridan, Jacquline Williams

Third Umpire: Sue Redfern

Fourth Umpire: Nimali Perera

Match Referee: Michell Pereira

READ:Hazlewood, Marsh star as Australia thump India in second T20I

MELBOURNE: Josh Hazlewood took three wickets, and captain Mitchell Marsh scored a quick 46, leading Australia to a commanding victory over India in the second T20I on Friday at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).

Set to chase a modest total of 146, Australia successfully reached the target in 13.2 overs to take a 1-0 lead in the five-match series.

Marsh and Travis Head set up the victory with a quick-fire opening stand of 51 runs from 28 balls.

However, Varun Chakravarthy provided the breakthrough with the wicket of Head, who struck 28 off 15 with the help of three fours and one six.

Marsh continued his onslaught and took his team’s total to 87 inside eight overs before Kuldeep Yadav ended his entertaining knock. The Australian captain departed after scoring a 26-ball 46, which featured four sixes and two boundaries.

Tim David joined Josh Inglis at the crease but could not contribute much, falling to Chakravarthy in the next over. Inglis soon returned to the pavilion after scoring a run-a-ball 20, dismissed by Yadav.

Mitchell Owen scored 14 runs, bringing Australia within striking distance of victory with only two runs remaining.

However, Jasprit Bumrah struck on back-to-back deliveries, removing Owen and the new batter, Matthew Short, who scored 0.

After the setback, Marcus Stoinis scored the winning runs, steering Australia to a five-wicket victory.

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Earlier, India were booked for just 125 runs in 18.4 overs, despite a remarkable innings from Abhishek Sharma, who scored 68 runs off 37 balls.

The Indian team faced early setbacks, with Shubman Gill falling to Hazlewood for just 5 runs in the third over. This was followed by Sanju Samson’s dismissal for 2 runs by Ellis in the next over.

Hazlewood struck again, taking the wickets of Suryakumar Yadav for 1 and Tilak Varma for a duck, reducing India to 32 for 4 in just 4.5 overs.

A mix-up on the field led to Axar Patel being run out in the eighth over, leaving India in a precarious position.

Sharma, who was fighting a lone war, found a reliable partner in Harshit Rana (35), and they added 56 runs for the sixth wicket.

The partnership was broken when Bartlett dismissed Rana, and later took the wicket of Shivam Dube for just 4 runs. Marcus Stoinis then removed Kuldeep Yadav, who did not score.

Sharma’s valiant innings came to an end soon after, and Bumrah was run out without scoring, bringing India’s innings to a close.

Hazlewood finished with outstanding bowling figures of 3 wickets for 13 runs in 4 overs, while Bartlett and Ellis each took 2 wickets.

READ: India-Pakistan clash confirmed as Asia Cup Rising Stars Championship schedule revealed

MELBOURNE: Players from Australia and India wore black armbands and held a minute’s silence ahead of the second T20I, as tributes poured in on Friday for the teenager Ben Austin, whose death touched the cricket world.

Austin, 17, died on Thursday after being hit in the neck before a local Twenty20 game in Melbourne while in the nets facing a ball-throwing device.

He was wearing a helmet, but reportedly not a stem guard, which protects the neck.

It revived memories of Test star Phillip Hughes, who was killed in 2014 when hit in the neck by a ball during a domestic Sheffield Shield game.

On Friday, the Victoria and Tasmania teams put their bats out as a symbol of respect, wore black armbands and held a minute’s silence as Austin’s image was beamed on a big screen before resuming their domestic match in Melbourne.

There were similar scenes in Perth, where Western Australia were playing South Australia.

In Mumbai, both India and Australia wore black armbands during their women’s one-day World Cup semi-final on Thursday.

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“Thanks to the Indian team for joining us in wearing black armbands to pay tribute to Ben Austin, a young man from Melbourne who tragically lost his life playing the game we all love,” the Australian side said.

“Sending love to Ben’s friends, family and cricket mates.”

Flowers and cricket bats were placed at the Ferntree Gully Cricket Club, where the accident occurred on Tuesday.

“It makes you so proud to realise how connected the cricket community is and how much we look after each other,” Cricket Victoria chief Nick Cummins told Australian media.

“It doesn’t take a lot of imagination to put yourself in the Austin family’s position.”

Austin’s death resonated globally, with England’s Barmy Army linking to a GoFundMe page set up to help the family.

“Rest in peace, Ben Austin, never forgotten,” said the official supporters group, who are set to descend on Australia in force this month for the Ashes Test series.

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DUBAI: The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) announced the schedule for the Asia Cup Rising Stars Championship on Friday, with arch-rivals Pakistan and India set to face each other on November 16.

Formerly known as the Emerging Asia Cup, the revamped event will run from November 14 to 23 at the West End International Cricket Stadium in Doha, Qatar.

The competition will consist of eight teams: Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Oman, and Hong Kong, which will be divided into two groups of four.

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Group A comprises Pakistan, India, the UAE, and Oman, while Group B features Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and Hong Kong.

According to the official schedule, Pakistan will open the tournament against Oman on November 14, while India will face the UAE later the same day.

The marquee Pakistan vs India clash is slated for November 16, followed by the semi-finals on November 21 and the final on November 23.

The stage is set, the stars are ready 🤩

From fiery clashes to fresh rivalries ~ it all unfolds in Doha, Qatar! 🇶🇦

Here’s your first look at the #DPWorldAsiaCupRisingStars2025 fixtures 🫡

Who will rise to the top? 👀#ACC pic.twitter.com/gze3cb1xmt

— AsianCricketCouncil (@ACCMedia1) October 31, 2025

Unlike previous editions, the Rising Stars Championship will not include a Super Four stage.

The top two teams from each group will directly advance to the semi-finals, meaning Pakistan and India could meet a second time only if both qualify for the final.

Notably, the Test-playing nations, Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan, will send their ‘A’ teams, whereas UAE, Hong Kong, and Oman will participate with their full senior squads.

Asia Cup Rising Stars Championship Schedule

• 14 November 2025: Pakistan vs Oman
• 14 November 2025: India vs UAE
• 15 November 2025: Bangladesh vs Hong Kong
• 15 November 2025: Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan
• 16 November 2025: UAE vs Oman
• 16 November 2025: India vs Pakistan
• 17 November 2025: Sri Lanka vs Hong Kong
• 17 November 2025: Bangladesh vs Afghanistan
• 18 November 2025: Pakistan vs UAE
• 18 November 2025: India vs Oman
• 19 November 2025: Afghanistan vs Hong Kong
• 19 November 2025: Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh
• 21 November 2025: Semi-final 1 (A1 vs B2)
• 21 November 2025: Semi-final 2 (B1 vs A2)
• 23 November 2025: Final

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