The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has invited Expressions of Interest (EOIs) and financial offers for the worldwide media rights of its bilateral international home series involving the Bangladesh National Cricket Team (Men) during 2026–27. This development follows a period of strained cricketing ties between India and Bangladesh, which are now anticipated to normalise.

The tender document specifically targets reputable TV broadcasters, digital platforms, marketing agencies, consortiums, and firms for the acquisition of these rights. The series covered under this EOI are scheduled to be hosted in Bangladesh.

Series included in the tender

The EOI covers several significant bilateral international home series for the Bangladesh National Cricket Team. These include:

• India Team’s Tour of Bangladesh 2026, featuring 3 ODI and 3 T20i matches.
• West Indies Team’s Tour of Bangladesh 2026, comprising 2 Test matches.
• England Team’s Tour of Bangladesh 2027, also consisting of 2 Test matches.
• Pakistan Team’s Tour of Bangladesh 2027, which will include 5 ODI matches.

The inclusion of the India tour in the tender document is particularly noteworthy, given recent tensions between the two cricketing nations. The BCB had previously paused the sale process of its media rights for the next two years after the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) cancelled a tour in 2025.

Recent cricketing relations

Cricketing relations between India and Bangladesh have faced challenges, including the cancellation of a 6-game white-ball series scheduled for August 2025 by the BCCI. This cancellation was attributed to packed international commitments, following diplomatic tensions between the two nations. Protests in Dhaka over India‘s actions and extradition demands for Bangladesh‘s former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina were cited as contributing factors to the strained relations.

Further events, such as Mustafizur Rahman‘s snub from the Kolkata Knight Riders and Bangladesh‘s refusal to participate in the T20 World Cup 2026 due to security concerns, also impacted the relationship. However, the current tender for media rights signals a potential recovery in these ties, with hopes that the postponed series can now proceed.

The BCB‘s decision to resume the sale of television and digital media rights is seen as a significant step. The India tour is considered a valuable asset, and the BCB was reportedly awaiting formal approval from the BCCI in 2025 to continue with the media rights sale. The resumption of this process suggests that the Indian cricket board may have privately approved the series.

Bidding process and future outlook

The formal bidding process for these media rights is scheduled to commence on July 2, with a reported deadline for submissions on July 22. The full EOI document will be available at the BCB‘s Dhaka office starting July 2.

The BCCI has maintained that its decisions regarding bilateral and multinational sporting events are guided by directives from the Indian government, rather than internal political changes within other cricket boards. A BCCI secretary clarified that the board’s role is to run cricket and follow the policies set by the Government of India concerning participation in international events.

While the BCCI has not provided a definitive stance on the exact dates for India‘s potential trip to Bangladesh, recent developments suggest that the postponed six-match white-ball series could potentially take place in September of the current year. This renewed activity around media rights and tour scheduling indicates a positive shift in the cricketing landscape between the two nations.

The tender document explicitly mentions India‘s tour among the list of bilateral home series, alongside tours from the West Indies in 2026 and England and Pakistan in 2027.

Source: tigercricket.com.bd

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Ben Stokes’ international career for England concluded with a series defeat against New Zealand, who secured a 2-1 victory in the third and deciding Test at Trent Bridge. The final day saw New Zealand wrap up a 160-run win, marking a challenging end for the all-rounder.

The announcement of Stokes’ retirement on Sunday, indicating this Test would be his last, preceded England’s loss. The team had slumped to 103 for four by the close of day four, chasing a target of 373 runs. The prospect of a prolonged fight on Monday was diminished early in the day’s play.

During the fourth over of the final day, Emilio Gay was dismissed, and crucially, Joe Root was run out by a direct hit from Henry Nicholls. This early setback further complicated England’s chase. Despite these challenges, Jamie Smith and Gus Atkinson formed a partnership, contributing to a 75-run stand before Atkinson was out just before lunch.

Smith achieved his second half-century in 11 months, but Josh Tongue also fell victim to a direct hit, this time from Mitchell Santner. Ultimately, Smith was caught at long-off, leading to England’s dismissal for 212 runs. This result confirmed New Zealand’s series victory, their fourth in England.

New Zealand’s Historic Series Win

New Zealand’s triumph marks a significant achievement, especially considering they were heavily affected by injuries. This series win is only their fourth on English soil, with previous victories occurring in 1986, 1999, and 2021. The 2021 series was a two-match contest. This current victory makes them the first touring team to win a series of three or more Tests in England in 14 years.

The Black Caps demonstrated disciplined and effective Test cricket throughout the series, outperforming the home side. Their electric fielding on the final day was particularly notable. Despite playing against a weakened England side in the second Test, New Zealand themselves faced significant depletion in the third Test. They also benefited from winning an important toss and maintaining the advantage established by a 317-run opening stand between Tom Latham and Devon Conway.

Various players contributed significantly to New Zealand’s success across the series. These included Glenn Phillips and Daryl Mitchell with the bat, Matt Henry with the ball, and Tom Blundell behind the stumps. This series win for New Zealand effectively concludes an era that began with Stokes’ first series in charge, which saw the emergence of ‘Bazball’.

England’s Post-Stokes Era and Challenges Ahead

For Ben Stokes, his four-year captaincy reign concludes with his first home series defeat, and his 15-year international career ends with England facing considerable challenges. This loss represents England’s seventh defeat in their last nine Tests and extends a period without a series win stretching back to 2024. The team now faces a period of uncertainty, without a captain and contemplating a future without one of their most influential players.

The initial optimism following England’s victory over New Zealand in the first Test has dissipated. The return of Ollie Robinson three weeks prior had offered hope for a turnaround, but the team’s performance has since faltered. An incident involving Stokes and Atkinson, initially a nightclub controversy, escalated into a second-string England side being heavily defeated in the second Test.

Stokes’ return had suggested a return to normalcy, until his unexpected announcement on Sunday, which was described as one of the most extraordinary days in English cricket history. This situation leaves England in need of a new captain for their next Test against Pakistan in August. Potential candidates include Harry Brook, and possibly Joe Root.

The team will also need to adapt to playing without Stokes’ all-round abilities, which provided both balance and inspiration. With the next Ashes series approximately a year away, the 10 Tests leading up to it are anticipated to be challenging. The current situation places pressure on the leadership team, including head coach Brendon McCullum and director of cricket Rob Key, as well as England and Wales Cricket Board chief executive Richard Gould and chair Richard Thompson.

In a congested calendar, England is scheduled to begin a white-ball series against India on Wednesday.

Source: bbc.com

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Olympic qualification pathway for cricket confirmed

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has confirmed the qualification details for cricket’s return to the Olympic Games in 2028. Both the men’s and women’s tournaments will feature six teams each. Australia’s women’s team is set to participate, and the men’s team is also well-positioned to join them.

The qualification structure has been designed to balance competitive standards with global representation, leveraging the existing ICC elite competition framework. A new qualification event will also be introduced as part of the journey to LA28.

Women’s tournament qualification details

For the women’s competition, the cut-off date for qualification is the end of the ongoing T20 World Cup. This continental framework means Australia is certain to secure the Oceania spot. Other teams that have locked in spots include India (Asia), South Africa (Africa), and a ‘Team GB’ side (Europe).

Australia’s women’s team currently holds the top position in the ICC women’s T20I rankings, ahead of England and India. These teams cannot be displaced from their current standings based on the remaining matches in the T20 World Cup. The United States, as the host nation, is eligible for automatic qualification if they achieve a top 15 position in the ICC’s team rankings at any point between June 30, 2026, and December 31, 2026.

If the USA women’s team does not meet this requirement, their spot will be allocated to the next highest-placed team not yet qualified by March 1, 2027, regardless of continent. Currently, New Zealand occupies this position as the fourth-ranked team in women’s T20Is. The West Indies, representing multiple Caribbean nations, is ineligible to participate directly in the Olympic Games. Instead, individual Caribbean nations will compete in a regional tournament, with the winner advancing to a global qualifier event to determine the sixth and final Olympic entrant.

Men’s tournament qualification details

For the men’s competition, four qualification spots will be determined by the ICC Men’s T20I rankings, with a cut-off date of December 31 this year. Qualification spots are reserved for the highest-ranked eligible teams from Africa, Asia, Europe, and Oceania. Australia’s men’s team is in a strong position to claim the Oceania berth, having extended their lead over New Zealand to 13 ratings points following a 3-0 victory against Bangladesh.

India, the current top-ranked men’s T20I side, is leading the race for the Asia berth, holding a 32-point lead over Pakistan. South Africa is also in a strong position for the Africa spot, with a 42-point lead over Zimbabwe. The United States, as the host nation, will claim the Americas spot as they are currently ranked 13th, meeting the minimum top 15 requirement when the qualification period opens.

Similar to the women’s event, individual Caribbean nations will compete in their own inter-island tournament. The winner of this tournament will progress to an eight-team global qualifying event, which is expected to include teams such as New Zealand, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Ireland, and Zimbabwe. This event will determine the sixth and final Olympic entrant for the men’s tournament.

Tournament format and venue

Qualified nations will select a squad of 15 players. Teams will be divided into two groups of three, with each team playing every other team in their group once. Subsequently, each team will play two additional matches against teams from the opposite group that did not finish in the same position. The top two teams after four round-robin games will compete for the gold and silver medals, while the third and fourth-placed nations will play for bronze.

A total of 28 matches will be played across both the men’s and women’s events. All games are scheduled to take place at a purpose-built cricket venue in Pomona, located approximately 50km east of downtown Los Angeles.

Source: cricket.com.au

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Stokes’ Farewell Test and New Zealand’s Dominance

The third men’s Test match at Trent Bridge is marking the final international appearance for Ben Stokes, a player known for his resilience and ability to perform under pressure. His departure from international cricket concludes a career spanning 15 years, during which he built a reputation as a fierce competitor and inspirational leader.

As the match progressed, New Zealand demonstrated strong play, securing three wickets during the morning session of day five. This performance has positioned them favorably towards achieving victory in the Test.

The morning session saw Emilio Gay edge behind and Joe Root brilliantly run out by Henry Nicholls. Despite these setbacks, Jamie Smith and Gus Atkinson formed a partnership, adding over 60 runs together, providing a brief period of solace for England.

Atkinson’s innings concluded when Mitchell Santner struck him on the back leg, leading to his dismissal. This marked the end of a partnership where Atkinson had faced over 150 balls with the bat in this Test.

Key Moments and Player Performances

Ben Sears of New Zealand continued to bowl despite reportedly having a broken index finger on his bowling hand, showcasing determination. The team also faced challenges with injuries, as Will O’Rourke had to leave the field due to a left hamstring issue, reducing their bowling options.

Stokes’ career has been highlighted by several memorable performances. In 2013, he scored his maiden Test century against Australia in Perth, a crucial 120 runs that came in only his second Test appearance. This innings, achieved on a challenging batting surface, saw him form significant partnerships with Ian Bell and Matt Prior.

Another notable moment was his spell of 3/26 against New Zealand in Delhi during the 2016 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup semi-final. His disciplined bowling, including 11 dot balls, was instrumental in restricting a strong batting lineup and helping England reach the final.

At Lord’s in 2017, Stokes delivered his finest Test bowling performance, taking 6/22 against the West Indies. This spell, which included dismantling the lower order, earned him a place on both the batting and bowling honours boards at the venue.

Impact and Legacy

Stokes’ influence was also evident in the 2019 Cricket World Cup Final against New Zealand at Lord’s. His unbeaten 84 runs, combined with a crucial partnership with Jos Buttler, helped England secure their maiden World Cup title. The match famously went to a Super Over, where Stokes again played a vital role.

Later in 2019, he produced an extraordinary innings of 135 runs against Australia at Headingley. This performance, coming shortly after the World Cup victory, was critical in keeping the Ashes series alive for England, as he single-handedly guided his team to an improbable win.

As Stokes concludes his international career, discussions have emerged regarding his successor as captain. Names like Ollie Pope and Haseeb Hameed have been mentioned as potential candidates, though some consider these options unlikely. The challenge of replacing such a significant figure is a key topic of conversation.

The crowd at Trent Bridge offered Stokes an ovation, with a montage playing on the big screen, acknowledging his contributions to the sport as his final Test match unfolds.

The match continues to be a closely watched event, with fans anticipating the final outcome as New Zealand maintains pressure on England.

The current state of play indicates a challenging situation for England, as they are six wickets down, with New Zealand pushing for a decisive victory.

Source: theguardian.com

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Gavaskar’s call for Sooryavanshi’s debut

Sunil Gavaskar has strongly advocated for the inclusion of young batter Vaibhav Sooryavanshi in India’s playing XI for the upcoming five-match T20I series against England. Gavaskar believes Sooryavanshi should play from the first match, which is scheduled for July 1. This recommendation follows India’s recent 0-2 series whitewash against Ireland, where several key batters struggled.

Gavaskar emphasised that giving the 15-year-old Sooryavanshi his India debut in England is now non-negotiable, especially after the team’s performance in Ireland. He pointed out that players like Shreyas Iyer, Sanju Samson, and Ishan Kishan faced difficulties with the bat during the Ireland series. Shreyas Iyer, who captained the side, managed to score 13 runs across two games, a tally matched by Ishan Kishan. Opener Sanju Samson also had a challenging series.

The former batter criticised India’s team management for not giving Sooryavanshi an opportunity in Ireland, suggesting it was an ideal chance to try out the in-form player. Gavaskar had previously stated that Sooryavanshi, given his form, should have played both matches in Ireland. He suggested that Sooryavanshi could have opened with Abhishek Sharma in one game, or batted lower down the order in another, to accommodate other players.

Debate over team selection

The decision to bench Vaibhav Sooryavanshi throughout the Ireland series has led to differing opinions among former players. While Gavaskar, along with Mohammed Kaif and Manoj Tiwary, supports Sooryavanshi’s inclusion, former India spinner R Ashwin has backed the team management’s approach.

Gavaskar believes that with India’s batting line-up appearing uncertain after the Ireland results, bringing in the explosive Sooryavanshi is essential to challenge the England bowlers. He asserted that India must accommodate Sooryavanshi, even if it means adjusting the batting order. Gavaskar suggested that Sooryavanshi could either open or bat at number three, but stressed his presence in the first match against England is crucial.

Mohammed Kaif echoed Gavaskar’s sentiments, questioning the consistency of the selection logic. He highlighted that Sooryavanshi’s name should have been in the best XI, especially given his recent form. Kaif pointed out inconsistencies in past selection decisions, such as the removal of Rohit Sharma as captain and the dropping of Suryakumar Yadav, both World Cup-winning captains, under the premise of looking for younger players.

Manoj Tiwary further criticised the coaching staff, accusing them of adhering to preconceived notions rather than considering current form. He argued that players who performed well in the T20 World Cup, which occurred before the IPL, were prioritised over in-form players like Sooryavanshi. Tiwary also noted that the team’s reliance on part-time bowlers had not met expectations, indicating a lack of consistency in decision-making.

Sooryavanshi’s form and future

Sooryavanshi’s strong form leading up to the Ireland series was highlighted by his performance in the IPL 2026, where he won the Orange Cap and the MVP award. He also had a successful stint with India A in Sri Lanka, concluding with a score of 94 runs off 29 balls in the final in Dambulla, which included an 11-ball fifty. This demonstrates that his claim for a spot is based on consistent performance rather than just potential.

Conversely, R Ashwin argued that there is currently no room for Sooryavanshi in the current XI. He suggested that if Sooryavanshi were to play, he should be sent on the Zimbabwe tour, where the incumbent openers might not be present. Ashwin noted that players like Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma are not part of the Test or ODI teams, and therefore need the T20 format to maintain their relevance within the team structure. He concluded that while Sooryavanshi deserves a place on merit, it should not come at the expense of the current openers, unless there is a loss of form or an injury.

The upcoming series against England, starting on July 1, will present a more challenging environment than the Ireland series. The decision regarding Sooryavanshi’s inclusion will be a key point of discussion for the team management as they prepare for the matches.

Source: m.rediff.com

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England’s Batting Collapse and New Zealand’s Lead

The decisive Third Rothesay Test between England and New Zealand at Trent Bridge is finely poised after a dramatic third day. New Zealand, with a first innings total of 438, extended their lead to 204 runs, reaching 120-3 in their second innings. This comes after England struggled with the bat, being bowled out for 354, leaving them 84 runs behind on first innings.

England began Saturday with an opportunity to narrow the deficit significantly but lost three key wickets for just 10 runs within the first six overs. Joe Root and Jacob Bethell, who had been overnight batsmen, did not add to their scores of 21 and 74 respectively. Jamie Smith contributed only one run. Despite a composed 58 from Harry Brook, England‘s tail-enders collapsed, losing their last three wickets for a mere four runs.

The pitch at Trent Bridge, which was initially flat, began to show signs of wear and tear, playing tricks on the third day. This deterioration of the surface, baked in intense heat, contributed to a rapid acceleration of the match, with 11 wickets falling on Saturday alone, compared to 12 wickets across the first two days combined.

New Zealand Consolidates Position

New Zealand‘s second innings saw them in a strong position, largely due to an unbeaten 60 from Rachin Ravindra and a 26 not out from Daryl Mitchell. The partnership between Ravindra and Mitchell is currently worth 69 runs, placing the tourists firmly in control of the match and potentially the series. Earlier in their second innings, New Zealand had faced some early setbacks, being reduced to 12-2 and later 51-3.

England‘s efforts to make early inroads into New Zealand‘s top order were led by Jofra Archer, who galvanized the crowd with his bowling. Archer pinned New Zealand captain Tom Latham with the final ball of the first over and later dismissed Devon Conway. However, Ravindra‘s counter-attacking approach, despite a period of slower scoring, helped stabilize New Zealand‘s innings alongside Mitchell.

The performance of New Zealand seamer Zak Foulkes, who entered the game on Friday as a concussion substitute for Blair Tickner, was notable. Foulkes claimed three wickets on Saturday, including those of Harry Brook and England captain Ben Stokes. His slower seam bowling appears to be a valuable asset for the Black Caps on the deteriorating pitch.

Context and Implications for England

The match holds significant implications for England, with captain Ben Stokes having previously stated that his team is under the “highest pressure” in his four years in charge. A loss in this decider would extend England‘s poor run to only two wins in 10 matches, against a backdrop of off-field controversy. The team is also playing against a New Zealand side missing three key players: Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, and Glenn Phillips.

On Day 2, England‘s Ben Duckett led a counterattack, reaching 52 not out at tea, after being dropped on 8. Duckett‘s efforts helped England to 73-1 from 14 overs in reply to New Zealand‘s 438. Emilio Gay was the only home batsman to fall, dismissed for nought. Earlier, Ben Stokes achieved his 250th Test wicket, contributing to England‘s fightback after New Zealand‘s strong start on Day 1, which saw Tom Latham (151) and Devon Conway (157) form a substantial 317-run partnership.

Stokes, who took 4-70, made the first breakthrough on Day 2 by dismissing Daryl Mitchell for 11. He also claimed the wicket of Mitchell Santner for 4, reaching his milestone. Spinner Shoaib Bashir and Jofra Archer also contributed to wrapping up New Zealand‘s first innings. The series is currently level at 1-1, making this final Test a crucial encounter for both teams.

England will need to draw on memories of their remarkable 2022 victory against New Zealand at the same venue, though that match was played on a very different pitch. The current situation presents a significant challenge for the home side as they face a potentially difficult run chase on a deteriorating surface at Trent Bridge.

Source: bbc.com

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India’s preparation and confidence

India is set to face Australia in a crucial match at Lord’s in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026. The Indian team will know their semi-final qualification requirements before taking the field at 14:30 local time, following the earlier match between South Africa and Bangladesh at 10:30 at the same venue. Currently, Australia leads Group A with eight points, while India and South Africa are two points behind. India holds an advantage over South Africa due to a superior net run rate.

Smriti Mandhana, India’s opener, believes the gap between the two teams has narrowed. She attributes this to Indian players participating in leagues such as the Big Bash and the WPL, which has facilitated the sharing of experience. Mandhana noted that the Indian team’s performance has steadily improved over the past five years, leading to a closer contest between the sides. She emphasised that in T20 cricket, the outcome often depends on which team performs better on the day.

Mandhana highlighted the team’s commitment to playing an aggressive style of cricket. She expressed anticipation for the match, recalling India’s 2-1 victory over Australia in a bilateral series in February. Mandhana stated that playing against Australia, one of the top teams globally, is always a challenge she looks forward to as a batter. She stressed the importance of focusing on playing the ball rather than being influenced by the match situation.

Australian team news and strategy

Australia is expected to be at full strength for the upcoming match. Captain Sophie Molineux confirmed the return of Phoebe Litchfield, who had been out due to injury for three games. Litchfield had trained fully and had been progressing well over the preceding week. Additionally, Beth Mooney is fit to play despite dislocating her finger twice during Australia’s 113-run win against Pakistan. Molineux praised Mooney’s resilience, noting her ability to continue playing despite the injury.

The Australian team, six-time champions, aims to exert pressure on India. Molineux acknowledged that Australia is in a different situation compared to India, but they still need to win to secure their desired finishing position in the group. She expressed hope that Australia could capitalise on any pressure India might be feeling and apply further pressure early in the game. Molineux anticipates an intense match, noting that games against India are always competitive and that a sellout crowd is expected for the occasion.

Australia’s approach is often described as ruthless, and they will be looking to maintain their strong form. The team is considered one of the most complete sides in the tournament. However, they are also aware that India has provided tough competition recently. While Australia boasts numerous quality all-rounders, India relies significantly on Deepti Sharma in that role. India’s batting lineup, featuring players like Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, Harmanpreet Kaur, and Jemimah Rodrigues, possesses the firepower to challenge Australia’s bowling attack. Rodrigues, in particular, regained her form and helped India navigate a challenging period against Bangladesh.

The challenge for India

India faces a significant challenge against the Australian side. The Australian team has a history of responding strongly after defeats, as seen after their loss to India in the ODI World Cup semi-final last October, which was followed by a whitewash victory against India in a three-match series in Australia. Similarly, after a defeat in the 2017 World Cup semi-final, Australia crushed India 3-0.

The upcoming match on Sunday at Lord’s provides Australia with an opportunity to avenge their 1-2 bilateral T20 series defeat to India in February, which marked Australia’s first home bilateral series loss in nine years. For India, a win is essential to secure a semi-final spot, especially with South Africa expected to win their match against Bangladesh. Australia’s superior Net Run Rate makes their qualification for the semi-finals almost certain.

Despite some issues with catching, the Indian team is considered strong and experienced enough to overcome such challenges. The team’s batting strength is expected to pose a threat to Australia’s formidable bowling attack. The match is scheduled for Sunday at Lord’s.

Source: icc-cricket.com

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Sri Lanka’s dramatic chase

Sri Lanka secured a narrow three-wicket victory over Scotland in a crucial ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 match at Old Trafford. The win, achieved with one ball to spare, keeps Sri Lanka‘s semi-final aspirations alive, though their qualification remains dependent on other results in Group 2.

Chasing a target of 152, Sri Lanka experienced a rollercoaster innings. They began strongly, with Chamari Athapaththu leading the charge, but faced significant pressure from Scotland‘s bowlers in the middle overs. The match culminated in a tense final over, where Sri Lanka needed seven runs for victory.

Scotland’s innings and key performances

Scotland, put in to bat first, posted a total of 151 for six in their allotted 20 overs. Their innings saw a brisk start, with Darcey Carter contributing significantly. However, their scoring rate slowed after the powerplay, and they lost wickets at crucial junctures. Sarah Bryce anchored the innings with an unbeaten 47 runs from 33 balls, helping Scotland reach a competitive total.

Early in Scotland‘s innings, Darcey Carter and Katherine Fraser provided a quick start, reaching 21 without loss after two overs. Fraser was eventually dismissed for 12, caught by Nilakshika Silva off Mithali Ayodhya‘s bowling. Carter continued to build the innings, scoring 34 runs from 36 balls before being caught by wicketkeeper Kaushani Nuthyangana off Sugandika Kumari.

Sarah Bryce played a pivotal role in the latter part of Scotland‘s innings, forming a 53-run partnership with Ailsa Lister. Lister was run out for 26, and Priyanaz Chatterji suffered the same fate on the very next ball. Pippa Sproul was bowled for a duck by Ayodhya, who finished with two wickets for 34 runs. Kavisha Dilhari also contributed with a wicket, conceding 19 runs.

Sri Lanka’s response and dramatic finish

Sri Lanka‘s chase was spearheaded by captain Chamari Athapaththu, who continued her strong form from the previous match against Ireland. She scored 33 runs from just 16 balls, including taking 18 runs off Gabriella Fontenla‘s only over. Sri Lanka reached their fifty off 28 balls, but Athapaththu‘s departure, bowled by Katherine Fraser, slowed their momentum.

After Athapaththu‘s dismissal, Hasini Perera and Harshitha Samarawickrama attempted to maintain the scoring rate. However, Scotland‘s bowlers, particularly Katherine Fraser and Kathryn Bryce, applied pressure, taking key wickets. Perera was dismissed for 23 by Kathryn Bryce, and Hansima Karunaratne was out LBW to Fraser. Samarawickrama was caught for 27 by Chatterji, leaving Sri Lanka at 102 for five in the 13th over.

The match remained finely balanced as Kirstie Gordon dismissed Kavisha Dilhari for 18, further stifling Sri Lanka‘s scoring. The required run rate climbed to nine runs an over with three overs remaining. In a chaotic finale, Kaushani Nuthyangana hit two boundaries off Rachel Slater but was then caught for 12. Nilakshi de Silva, who had been a match-winner against New Zealand, was dropped by Fontenla in the penultimate over, adding to the tension.

With three runs needed from three balls, Rachel Slater sustained an injury, leading to Priyanaz Chatterji bowling the remaining deliveries. Sugandika Kumari hit a boundary off the penultimate ball, securing the win for Sri Lanka. This victory marks Sri Lanka‘s third win of the tournament, setting a new record for the team.

Semi-final implications

Despite the victory, Sri Lanka‘s path to the semi-finals is not straightforward. They are currently in third place in Group 2 and need other results to go their way to advance on net run rate. Specifically, Sri Lanka requires West Indies to lose significantly to Ireland in their match in Bristol on Saturday, and New Zealand to lose to England at The Oval. New Zealand, who are two points behind Sri Lanka, are also ahead on net run rate.

The final scores were Scotland 151 for six in 20 overs, and Sri Lanka 154 for seven in 19.5 overs.

Source: icc-cricket.com

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England’s Resurgence at Trent Bridge

England staged a significant comeback on the second day of the deciding Third Rothesay Test against New Zealand at Trent Bridge. The hosts, after initially facing a challenging position, managed to dismiss New Zealand for 438 and then closed the day on 223 for two, trailing by 215 runs. This recovery was largely driven by an inspirational bowling spell from captain Ben Stokes and a rapid century from opener Ben Duckett.

The turnaround was particularly notable given that New Zealand had reached 317 for no loss on the opening day. England‘s bowlers claimed all 10 wickets for 121 runs, demonstrating a strong collective effort in the sweltering conditions. Stokes, returning to the side after missing the second Test, played a pivotal role in this fightback, leading from the front with his bowling.

Duckett’s Century and Batting Partnership

Ben Duckett delivered a scintillating performance, scoring 113 runs from only 88 balls, marking his seventh Test century and his first in nearly a year. His innings was crucial in providing England with a solid platform. He was supported by Jacob Bethell, who remained unbeaten on 74, registering his first Test half-century in the first innings at home.

The partnership between Duckett and Bethell added 179 runs from exactly 179 balls for the second wicket. This rapid scoring rate, at six runs an over, put pressure on the New Zealand attack, which was already dealing with absences and an injury. Duckett‘s innings saw him pierce the infield with regularity, reaching his half-century from 40 balls and turning Trent Bridge into his personal playground.

Duckett‘s century was a moment of personal vindication, especially after a period of mixed form and a decision to withdraw from the Indian Premier League to focus on red-ball cricket with Nottinghamshire. He had been dropped on eight by Henry Nicholls at third slip, a moment of fortune that he capitalised on fully. His celebration, including repeat punches of the air, indicated a player unburdened by previous struggles.

After Duckett was eventually dismissed, chopping onto his stumps off Nathan Smith, Joe Root joined Bethell at the crease. The pair held firm until the close of play, with Root reaching 21 not out. Despite the loss of Duckett and a slight slowing of the scoring rate, England maintained their momentum, leaving New Zealand with a significant task ahead.

Stokes’ Leadership and Bowling Effort

Captain Ben Stokes was central to England‘s bowling fightback. His figures of four for 70 included a spell of eight overs, three for 13, before lunch on the second day. Bowling with verve and varying his angles, Stokes provided the crucial breakthroughs that stifled New Zealand‘s scoring.

His efforts included dismissing Daryl Mitchell, who was adjudged to have edged behind after a review, and later accounting for Mitchell Santner in a moment of controversy. Santner was given out caught at gully after a short ball from Stokes, with the third umpire ruling that the ball had brushed the wristband of his glove. These wickets were vital in limiting New Zealand‘s total.

The New Zealand attack faced challenges, with Blair Tickner suffering dizzy spells after being struck by Jofra Archer, leading to his replacement by concussion substitute Zak Foulkes. This, coupled with the absences of Matt Henry and Kyle Jamieson, stretched their bowling resources. Shoaib Bashir and Archer also contributed to the wicket-taking, with Bashir trapping Tom Blundell lbw and taking a return catch off Nathan Smith.

The collective effort of the England team, inspired by Stokes‘ leadership and Duckett‘s batting, has brought them back into contention in this crucial Test match. The team’s spirit was evident, with players showing determination in challenging conditions, reminiscent of their memorable win in 2022 at the same venue.

Source: theguardian.com

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Historic Win for Ireland

Ireland achieved a significant milestone by securing their first-ever victory against India, the reigning T20 world champions, in any format of the game. The historic win occurred in the opening match of the T20I series in Belfast on Friday, where Ireland defeated India by 34 runs. This triumph gives Ireland a 1-0 lead in the two-match series.

The match saw Ireland post an impressive total of 182 for nine in their 20 overs. In response, India‘s batting line-up was dismissed for 148 runs in 18.5 overs. The victory was largely attributed to the disciplined bowling performance by Ireland, who capitalized on the impatience of the Indian batters on a pitch that offered assistance to quick bowlers.

Ireland’s Batting Performance

After being put in to bat, Ireland faced an early challenge, recovering from 30 for three in the power play. Despite losing Tim Tector, Harry Tector, and Ross Adair early, captain Lorcan Tucker played a crucial role, scoring a half-century from 36 balls. His innings helped stabilize the team after the early wickets.

Tucker‘s efforts were complemented by Gareth Delany, who contributed 49 runs from 32 balls. The partnership between Tucker and Delany was vital, adding 64 runs for the fifth wicket and rescuing Ireland from a difficult position. Delany was particularly aggressive in the later overs, hitting Prasidh Krishna for 27 runs in the 16th over, which included a boundary and three sixes. Ireland managed to accumulate 46 runs in two overs during this period, shifting the momentum in their favour.

Indian pacers, including Harshit Rana and Arshdeep Singh, focused on bowling hard lengths, which initially limited Ireland‘s scoring. Rana, who finished with three wickets for 24 runs, dismissed both Irish openers. Arshdeep Singh and Axar Patel also chipped in with two wickets each. However, the decision by the Indian quicks not to search for swing and instead rely on back-of-the-length deliveries proved to be a double-edged sword as Ireland‘s middle order found ways to score.

India’s Chase and Irish Bowling Excellence

Chasing 183 runs, India‘s innings began with a strong power play, scoring 68 runs. However, they lost three wickets during this crucial phase. Shreyas Iyer, captaining India for the first time in a T20I, had a challenging outing, failing to make a significant impact with the bat. His dismissal, caught in the deep off Matt Hollard, added to India‘s difficulties.

Despite a rapid 50 from 20 balls by Abhishek Sharma, India‘s batters struggled to build sustained partnerships. Abhishek Sharma punished Liam McCarthy for four boundaries in the third over, but his innings ended when he was caught off McCarthy‘s bowling by Ben Calitz. The Irish bowlers maintained pressure throughout the innings, with Matt Hollard claiming three wickets for 28 runs and left-arm spinner Matthew Humphreys also taking three wickets.

Debutante pacer Jai Moondra made a memorable start to his international career, taking two wickets for 25 runs in four overs. He inflicted the first blow on India by dismissing Sanju Samson. The consistent pressure from the Irish bowling attack led to a regular fall of wickets for India, with players like Ishan Kishan, Tilak Varma, and Shivam Dube failing to make substantial contributions. The final wicket fell when Arshdeep Singh was dismissed by Matthew Humphreys, sealing Ireland‘s historic victory.

The two teams are scheduled to play the second and final T20I on Sunday.

Source: thehindu.com

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