Chamari Athapaththu, Melie Kerr, Laura Wolvaardt, and Orla Prendergast had exceptional years in women's T20Is with notable contributions in batting and all-round performances. Athapaththu led Sri Lanka to Asia Cup victory, Kerr helped New Zealand win the T20 World Cup, Wolvaardt took South Africa to their first T20 final, and Prendergast excelled for Ireland.
Related news
Sunil Gavaskar advises Rishabh Pant to respect conditions before playing free-flowing shots in the Border Gavaskar Trophy. Pant's performance has shown only flashes of brilliance. Matthew Hayden encourages Pant to stay fearless while weighing options. The series is level at 1-1, with the fourth Test starting in Melbourne on December 26.
Rachin Ravindra and Mark Chapman's half centuries powered New Zealand to a 113-run victory against Sri Lanka in the second ODI, securing a 2-0 series win. Ravindra scored 79 and Chapman contributed 62 as New Zealand posted 255-9. Sri Lanka faltered at 22-4 and despite Kamindu Mendis' career-best 64, they were bowled out for 142 in 30.2 overs.
Alastair Cook criticized the decision to allow Harshit Rana to replace Shivam Dube as a concussion substitute in the India vs England T20 match. Cook argued that Rana, a heavy seam bowler, didn't match Dube's all-rounder role. He also mentioned that Rana's performance, taking three wickets, significantly affected the game's outcome.
Australia's Cricket Board has awarded young batter Sam Konstas with his first central contract for the 2025-26 season after his impressive debut performance against India. Matthew Kuhnemann, cleared after a suspect bowling action report, and all-rounder Beau Webster also made the list. Australia are set to play crucial matches, including the World Test Championship final and the Ashes this year.
Smriti Mandhana has climbed to second place in both T20I and ODI batting rankings after impressive performances against the West Indies. She now trails only South Africa's Laura Wolvaardt and Australia's Beth Mooney. Alongside, Indian and Australian players, including Harmanpreet Kaur, Annabel Sutherland, and Renuka Singh Thakur, made notable advancements in their respective rankings.
Pakistan cricket team achieved a historic first-ever clean sweep against South Africa on their soil. Captain Mohammad Rizwan praised the team's collective effort and divine blessings. Young opener Saim Ayub shone with two centuries, earning Player of the Series, while Rizwan emphasized the team's trust and unity as key to their success.
Former Australian coach Darren Lehmann criticized chief selector George Bailey for being too close to the Test team to make tough decisions, particularly regarding the struggling top order. Captain Pat Cummins defended Bailey, praising his boldness and objectivity, emphasizing the broader considerations beyond online scrutiny in selection.
Mitchell Marsh appreciated Nicholas Pooran's exceptional batting as they led Lucknow Super Giants to a five-wicket victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL. Pooran's aggressive 70 off 26 balls and Shardul Thakur's four-wicket haul were crucial in chasing down the target of 191.
India’s 23-year-old pacer Harshit Rana downplayed external criticism after his impressive ODI debut against England in Nagpur, where he picked up 3/33 to lead India to a victory. Despite a challenging over, he made a comeback, focusing on delivering for his country. England’s captain highlighted Phil Salt's run-out as a crucial turning point.
Harmanpreet Kaur and Amanjot Kaur led Mumbai Indians to a thrilling four-wicket victory over Royal Challengers Bengaluru in a Women's Premier League match. Notable contributions came from Ellyse Perry for RCB and crucial partnerships during MI's chase ensured their win.