India emerged victorious in the Women’s U19 T20 Asia Cup final, defeating Bangladesh by 41 runs at the Bayuemas Oval in Kuala Lumpur on Sunday, December 22. This win marks a historic moment as India becomes the inaugural champions of the tournament.

India’s innings:

Bangladesh captain Sumaiya Akter opted to bowl first after winning the toss in the high-pressure final. Gongadi Trisha led India’s batting with a composed 52 off 47 balls, hitting five fours and two sixes, even as wickets fell at regular intervals. Mithila Vinod provided a late boost with a quick 17 off 12 balls, helping India post a competitive total of 117/7 in their 20 overs.

Farjana Easmin was the standout bowler for Bangladesh, taking 4/31 in her four overs. Trisha’s performance not only anchored India’s innings but also made her the tournament’s leading run-scorer.

Bangladesh’s reply:

Bangladesh’s chase got off to a poor start, losing Mosammat Eva in the second over. Despite Fahomida Choya’s efforts to stabilize the innings, key wickets, including captain Sumaiya Akter, fell cheaply.

Wicketkeeper-batter Juairiya Ferdous kept Bangladesh’s hopes alive with a patient 22 off 30 balls. However, her dismissal in the 15th over left Bangladesh at 64/5, needing 54 runs from the final 34 deliveries. The lower order collapsed under pressure, with the last five wickets falling for just 12 runs.

Bangladesh were bowled out for 76 in 18.3 overs, handing India a convincing 41-run win.

Key performers:

• India:
  • Aayushi Shukla: 3/17 in 3.3 overs
  • Sonam Yadav and Parunika Sisodia: 2 wickets each
  • Gongadi Trisha: 52 runs (leading tournament scorer)
• Bangladesh:
  • Farjana Easmin: 4/31 in 4 overs
  • Juairiya Ferdous: 22 runs

India’s comprehensive performance capped a dominant campaign, securing the inaugural Women’s U19 T20 Asia Cup title.

Shimron Hetmyer has been recalled to the West Indies’ ODI squad for the upcoming three-match series against England, beginning Thursday in Antigua. Hetmyer, who missed the recent tour of Sri Lanka for personal reasons, replaces Alick Athanaze as the sole change in the squad. His last ODI appearance was in December 2023, during West Indies’ 2-1 series victory over England.

Athanaze had opened in the series against Sri Lanka but lost his spot to Evin Lewis, who scored an impressive 102* from 61 balls in the third ODI. West Indies head coach Daren Sammy expressed confidence in the squad’s ability to rise to the occasion against England, citing the historic rivalry and the boost of playing at home. Sammy emphasized that this series is part of the West Indies’ preparation for the 2027 ICC Men’s World Cup.

The first two ODIs will take place at Antigua’s Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, with the final match in Barbados. The ODI series will be followed by five T20Is across Barbados and St. Lucia.

West Indies ODI Squad: Shai Hope (captain), Jewel Andrew, Keacy Carty, Roston Chase, Matthew Forde, Shimron Hetmyer, Alzarri Joseph, Shamar Joseph, Brandon King, Evin Lewis, Gudakesh Motie, Sherfane Rutherford, Jayden Seales, Romario Shepherd, Hayden Walsh Jr.

West Indies secured a consolation win in the third ODI against Sri Lanka, thanks to a powerful century by Evin Lewis and a quick-fire half-century by Sherfane Rutherford. The match, played in Pallekele, was truncated due to rain, turning it into a 23-overs-a-side contest.

Sri Lanka, batting first, posted 156/3 in their 23 overs, with Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis both scoring fifties. Nissanka made the most of an early dropped chance to steady the innings with Avishka Fernando. The pair took Sri Lanka to 81 for 0 in 17 overs before Fernando fell to a return catch by Roston Chase. Rain halted play for nearly five hours after that, leaving Sri Lanka with limited time to accelerate.

When play resumed, Mendis came out swinging, hitting Chase for four consecutive boundaries and accelerating to a rapid 22-ball 56. Sri Lanka added 75 runs in just 5.4 overs after the rain break to set West Indies a daunting target of 195 under the DLS method.

West Indies had a challenging task ahead but started their chase confidently. Though they lost Brandon King early, Evin Lewis and Shai Hope steadied the innings, taking West Indies to 76/1 in 10 overs. Lewis reached his fifty in 34 balls, but the asking rate remained high, and Hope’s dismissal in the 15th over left West Indies needing a significant push.

That push came when Sherfane Rutherford joined Lewis. The pair took the score to 125/2 by the 17th over, and with 70 runs required off the last six overs, they started attacking Sri Lanka’s bowlers. Rutherford smashed two sixes and a four off Maheesh Theekshana in the 18th over, and the target quickly came down.

Lewis, who was approaching his century, kept his composure and smashed a six to seal both his century and the victory for West Indies, with an over to spare. West Indies chased down the target of 195, reaching 196/2 in 22 overs, winning by 8 wickets.

Brief Scores:
Sri Lanka: 156/3 in 23 overs (Pathum Nissanka 56, Kusal Mendis 56; Sherfane Rutherford 1-27)
West Indies: 196/2 in 22 overs (Evin Lewis 102*, Sherfane Rutherford 50*)
West Indies won by 8 wickets (DLS Method).

Sri Lanka secured a series-clinching victory against West Indies with a five-wicket win in the rain-affected second ODI in Pallekele. The match was reduced to 44 overs per side, and Sri Lanka’s bowlers took full advantage, with Wanindu Hasaranga (4 for 40), Maheesh Theekshana (3 for 25), and Asitha Fernando (3 for 35) bowling out the visitors for 189. Sri Lankan captain Charith Asalanka’s unbeaten 62 guided his team to victory with 5.4 overs to spare.

West Indies, after being reduced to 58/8, staged a dramatic recovery thanks to a 119-run partnership between Sherfane Rutherford (80 off 82) and Gudakesh Motie (50* off 61). However, their total proved insufficient, as Sri Lanka chased down the target comfortably, taking an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.

Brief Scores:

• West Indies: 189 in 36 overs (Sherfane Rutherford 80, Gudakesh Motie 50*; Wanindu Hasaranga 4-40, Maheesh Theekshana 3-25, Asitha Fernando 3-35)
• Sri Lanka: 190/5 in 38.2 overs (Charith Asalanka 62*; Alzarri Joseph 2-30)
• Sri Lanka won by 5 wickets (DLS method)

In the final ODI in Abu Dhabi, Ireland’s captain Paul Stirling led from the front, scoring a crucial 88 runs and setting the stage for his team’s 69-run victory over South Africa. Despite a valiant effort from Jason Smith, who scored 91 for the Proteas, South Africa was unable to chase down Ireland’s total of 284-9, eventually falling short at 215 all out.

Ireland’s Innings

Opting to bat first, Ireland had a strong start with an opening stand of 101 runs between Stirling and Andy Balbirnie. Balbirnie contributed a steady 45 before being dismissed by Lizaad Williams. Stirling continued his aggressive play, hitting three sixes and eight fours in his 88 before being bowled by Ottneil Baartman. Contributions from Curtis Campher (34 off 36 balls) and Harry Tector (60 off 48 balls) bolstered Ireland’s score. Williams was the standout bowler for South Africa, finishing with figures of 4-56 in his 10 overs.

South Africa’s Response and Jason Smith’s Stand

Chasing 285, South Africa found themselves in trouble early, reduced to 10-3 as Mark Adair dismissed Ryan Rickelton and Rassie van der Dussen quickly. Reeza Hendricks was caught by Balbirnie off Graham Hume’s bowling, worsening the situation. Kyle Verreynne and Tristan Stubbs attempted to stabilize the innings with a partnership of 49, but wickets kept falling.

Jason Smith stepped up for South Africa with a determined knock of 91 runs off 93 balls, which included nine fours and four sixes. Despite his best efforts, Smith could not steer South Africa to victory, and his dismissal at 126-6 put the Proteas on the back foot. Graham Hume and Craig Young were instrumental for Ireland, picking up three wickets each.

Series Outcome

While Ireland won the final ODI, South Africa took the series 2-1. The ODI series followed a T20 series between the two sides, which ended in a 1-1 draw. Despite Jason Smith’s heroics, the Proteas couldn’t overcome Ireland’s target, with the Irish bowlers ensuring a memorable finish to the series.

Australia’s allrounder Cameron Green has been ruled out of the remaining two ODIs against England due to a back injury. The news comes after Green reported soreness following the third ODI in Durham, where he bowled a series of short balls. Green has already left the tour to return home for further assessment.

Injury Details and Green’s Return

According to a statement from Cricket Australia, Green underwent scans in London that revealed the back injury. “Cameron Green has sustained a back injury and will play no further part in the ODI tour of England,” the statement read. His return to play will be determined after further evaluation in Australia. Green has previously suffered stress fractures in his back, particularly in 2019, before making his Test debut.

Travis Head, speaking after the Lord’s ODI, expressed disappointment over the situation but remained hopeful about Green’s recovery. “He’ll go home and get things sorted. It’s disappointing, but he’s been through these things before and knows the way to get back.”

Impact on Australia’s Summer Plans

If Green faces an extended layoff, it could affect Australia’s preparation for their home season, particularly the Test series against India. Green recently made a mark with his 174 not out in Wellington, re-establishing himself as a key player in the Test lineup. His absence could impact Australia’s batting order, allowing for possible reshuffles, including moving Steven Smith back to No. 4 and bringing in a new opener alongside Usman Khawaja.

Coach Andrew McDonald had previously stated that the incumbent top six of the Test side would remain unchanged, barring injury. However, Green’s unavailability could open doors for players like Cameron Bancroft, Matt Renshaw, or Marcus Harris. Renshaw was the reserve batter during the series against West Indies and New Zealand following David Warner’s retirement.

Bowling Concerns and Future Outlook

Beyond his batting, Green’s bowling overs have been crucial for balancing the workload with Australia’s frontline attack. If Green’s injury limits his bowling, there is still a possibility to use him as a specialist batter. Ricky Ponting, speaking on Sky Sports, remarked, “We know with Cameron Green, he has had stress fractures in his back in the past. Let’s hope it’s not that.”

Green’s absence would place more responsibility on Mitchell Marsh, who has recently returned to bowling after an injury during the IPL. Marsh’s role as a pace-bowling allrounder would be critical in filling the void left by Green.

Upcoming Matches

Green was expected to play at least one Sheffield Shield match in October before the start of Australia’s international season. With Pakistan visiting for T20Is and ODIs, followed by the Tests against India starting on November 22 in Perth, his recovery timeline will be closely watched by the Australian team management.

In a thrilling rain-affected contest, England’s stand-in skipper Harry Brook showcased his class with an unbeaten 110, marking his maiden ODI century and keeping the five-match series alive. England chased down Australia’s 304/7 before rain halted play, securing a 46-run victory via the DLS method.

The match saw England recover from early blows to keep their hopes in the series alive, with Brook leading the charge. Australia posted a competitive total of 304/7 in their 50 overs, thanks to a well-paced 77* from Alex Carey, supported by Steve Smith’s 60 and handy contributions from Aaron Hardie (44 off 26) and Cameron Green (42 off 49). Jofra Archer was the pick of the England bowlers, finishing with figures of 2/67.

Australia’s innings seemed promising, with openers setting the tone early and middle-order contributions building on that platform. Carey, in particular, was instrumental in pushing Australia to what looked like a winning total. However, England had other plans.

England’s chase began on a shaky note, with opener Phil Salt and Ben Duckett falling early to Mitchell Starc, leaving the home side at 11/2. The Australian pacers, led by Starc, made early inroads, and at that point, it seemed the match was following a familiar script from previous games. However, Harry Brook and Will Jacks had other ideas. The pair took control of the game with a match-defining partnership of 156 runs from 147 balls, steering England back into contention.

Brook and Jacks steadied the innings and played aggressively, picking boundaries with ease even in challenging conditions. By the time Jacks departed for a well-made 84 off 82 balls, England had established a solid platform. Jacks’ innings was laced with nine boundaries and one six, as he played a pivotal role in shifting the momentum back in England’s favor.

Brook, meanwhile, continued to dominate. With Australia’s bowlers struggling to find breakthroughs, Brook remained composed, bringing up his maiden ODI century in just 94 balls. His innings, studded with 13 fours and two sixes, was a display of his growing stature in international cricket. His control over the chase, even as wickets fell around him, proved crucial for England.

Australia’s bowling attack, led by Starc and Green, struggled to contain Brook and his new partner Liam Livingstone, who added a quickfire 33 off 20 balls. The pair’s unbroken 57-run stand further nudged England ahead of the required rate.

The rain first arrived when England was 254/4 in 37.4 overs, with Brook unbeaten on 110. Though there was brief hope that the play might resume, rain eventually returned, and the match was called off, handing England a crucial win by 46 runs via the DLS method.

This victory not only ended England’s seven-match losing streak against Australia in ODIs but also snapped Australia’s impressive 14-game unbeaten streak, which had stretched back to last year’s ODI World Cup. For England, this result was a much-needed boost after struggling earlier in the series. Brook’s century and Jacks’ fine support helped England find their footing in a must-win game, keeping the series alive.

Brief Scores:

• Australia: 304/7 in 50 overs (Alex Carey 77*, Steve Smith 60, Aaron Hardie 44, Cameron Green 42; Jofra Archer 2-67)
• England: 254/4 in 37.4 overs (Harry Brook 110*, Will Jacks 84; Cameron Green 2-45, Mitchell Starc 2-63)
  England won by 46 runs (DLS method).

As England prepares for a crucial 3rd ODI against Australia at Riverside Ground in Chester-le-Street, they find themselves in a must-win situation, trailing 0-2 in the five-match series. The pressure is on the home side to avoid losing the series, and the conditions at Riverside Ground will play a key role in determining their chances.

Riverside Ground Pitch Report

The pitch at Riverside Ground is typically known for being batting-friendly. While pacers might get some movement with the new ball in the early overs, the surface generally offers consistent bounce and pace, making stroke play easier for the batters. Teams have historically posted high scores here, with the average first-innings total being 239, but the ground has seen totals go as high as 338/6.

Batters can expect good conditions, but bowlers who use variations smartly, especially in the middle overs, could find some success. The key for the bowlers will be to take advantage of any early seam movement before the pitch settles in favor of the batters.

Riverside Ground Stats

Since its first ODI in 1999, Riverside Ground has hosted 25 ODI matches. Teams batting second have a slight edge, having won 13 matches compared to 10 victories for sides batting first.

• Highest team total: 338/6 by Sri Lanka against West Indies in 2019.
• Lowest team total: 99 by England against Sri Lanka in 2014.
• Highest successful chase: 314/4 by England.

These stats indicate that while teams can post high totals batting first, chasing sides have performed well too. England, with their deep batting line-up, will be hoping to capitalize on this and push for a win to stay alive in the series.

In the ongoing second ODI between England and Australia at Leeds, Adil Rashid etched his name in the record books by becoming the first England spinner to claim 200 wickets in One Day Internationals (ODIs). England, aiming to bounce back after their loss in the first ODI, bowled out Australia for 270, with Rashid playing a crucial role in controlling the flow of runs.

Rashid’s 10-over spell yielded 42 runs and two wickets, including the prized scalp of Glenn Maxwell. This wicket marked his historic 200th in ODIs, a milestone he achieved in his 137th match since making his debut against Ireland in 2009. He now joins the ranks of James Anderson and Darren Gough in England’s top three ODI wicket-takers.

Leading the list is James Anderson with 269 wickets in 194 matches, followed by Darren Gough with 234 wickets. Rashid, with 201 wickets, holds third place and is notably the only spinner among the top five. Stuart Broad and Chris Woakes round out the list with 178 and 173 wickets, respectively.

Australia, led by Mitchell Marsh’s 60 and Alex Carey’s 74, set England a target of 271. Without Jos Buttler, Harry Brook took charge of the England side as they look to level the series.

Afghanistan secured a dominant win over South Africa in the first ODI and will look to clinch the series in the second ODI on Friday, September 20. As both teams prepare for the clash, here’s a look at the pitch report and statistics for the Sharjah Cricket Stadium.

Sharjah Stadium Pitch Report: The pitch at Sharjah Cricket Stadium is typically dry and can become dusty, especially as the game progresses. Spinners are expected to have a significant impact in the latter stages of the match. Early in the game, the surface offers good bounce and pace, providing an advantage for batsmen. However, as the ball gets older, it becomes more challenging to score runs. Teams often prefer to bowl first after winning the toss, aiming to restrict the opposition to a low total.

Sharjah Cricket Stadium ODI Stats:

• ODI matches played: 249
• Won by teams batting first: 132
• Won by teams batting second: 115
• Tied: 2
• Average run rate: 4.58
• Highest team total: 364/7 (Pakistan vs New Zealand, 2014)
• Lowest team total: 54 (India vs Sri Lanka, 2000)

With 250 ODI matches played at the venue, the teams chasing have won 116 times. However, no team has successfully chased a target of over 300 at Sharjah.

Travis Head’s scintillating unbeaten century (154*) and an all-round performance from Marnus Labuschagne (77* & 3-39) propelled Australia to a dominant seven-wicket victory over England in the opening ODI at Trent Bridge. Chasing a challenging target of 316, Australia reached the target comfortably with six overs to spare, thanks to a record-breaking partnership between Head and Labuschagne.

Australia started the chase on a shaky note, losing captain Mitchell Marsh early to Matthew Potts, but Head steadied the ship, forming crucial partnerships along the way. He first combined with Steve Smith to add 76 runs, followed by a 73-run stand with Cameron Green. Head, who smashed 20 boundaries and 5 sixes, brought up his sixth ODI century off 92 balls and accelerated further, joining forces with Labuschagne to put on an unbeaten 148-run partnership for the fourth wicket. This left England captain Harry Brook searching for answers on his captaincy debut.

Labuschagne, who came to the crease with Australia in a precarious position, played a steady hand, rotating the strike and finding the boundary when needed. The duo’s partnership effectively neutralized England’s bowling attack, with spinners Adil Rashid and Jacob Bethell struggling to make breakthroughs on a dry Nottingham pitch. England’s bowlers, particularly Rashid, went wicketless, as the visitors took control.

Earlier, England had looked strong with a commanding start. Brook opted to bat first, and the hosts reached 213/2 in the 33rd over. Ben Duckett top-scored with 95, while Will Jacks contributed a fluent 62. The two put on a 120-run partnership for the second wicket, with Duckett playing a steady hand after Phil Salt fell early to Ben Dwarshuis. However, the game turned when Marsh introduced Labuschagne into the attack.

Labuschagne, who was brought on in the 33rd over, made an immediate impact, dismissing Duckett and Brook in consecutive overs, both via caught-and-bowled efforts. He later added Jofra Archer’s wicket to cap off a brilliant spell that triggered England’s collapse. England lost their last 8 wickets for just 102 runs, despite Jacob Bethell’s late contribution of 35 off 34 balls. Adam Zampa also played a key role in dismantling England’s middle order, finishing with figures of 3-49.

Despite a strong start, England’s batting faltered in the latter half of their innings, with Australia’s spinners taking center stage. Travis Head’s contribution wasn’t limited to his batting; he also chipped in with 2-34, helping restrict England to 315. Australia’s decision to use over 30 overs of spin—one of their highest totals in recent times—proved to be a game-changer, especially after debutant Ben Dwarshuis left the field due to a pectoral muscle injury.

Brief Scores:
England: 315 all out in 49.4 overs (Ben Duckett 95, Will Jacks 62; Marnus Labuschagne 3-39, Adam Zampa 3-49)
Australia: 317/3 in 44 overs (Travis Head 154*, Marnus Labuschagne 77*; Jacob Bethell 1-20)

Australia lead the five-match series 1-0, with Head and Labuschagne delivering a stellar all-round performance to outclass England in all departments.