Author: Priya Menon

The Blaze have strengthened their squad stability by extending contracts for six key players, ensuring their presence until at least 2027 as they look to build on their ambitions beyond the ECB Women’s One-Day Cup 2026. The move reinforces the team’s continuity, blending experience with emerging talent. Head Coach Craig Cumming welcomed the development, highlighting its importance for the team’s long-term goals. “I’m really excited by being able to keep all of these players at The Blaze,” he said. “Retaining the core of the squad that has tasted success previously, and are passionate and driven to play for the Blaze,…

India women’s team captain Harmanpreet Kaur has expressed confidence in young all-rounder Anushka Sharma ahead of the T20I series against South Africa, highlighting her potential as the team prepares for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026. Speaking at the pre-match press conference before the opening T20I on April 17 in Durban, Harmanpreet praised the youngster’s performances across competitions. “I think she is a great talent,” she said. “She did really well in WPL. And wherever she got the opportunity, especially in domestic cricket also, you know, she did really well. And she is an all-rounder who can always contribute…

Former India captain Anjum Chopra has identified South Africa’s Kayla Reyneke as a rising force in women’s cricket, while also expressing confidence in India’s chances of contending for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup title. Reyneke has quickly made an impression on the international stage with impactful performances in both formats. The 20-year-old all-rounder announced herself with a last-ball six on her T20I debut against Pakistan and followed it with another match-winning effort on ODI debut against New Zealand, where she remained unbeaten on 42 off 32 balls, sealing the game with a six. She was named Player of the…

India captain Harmanpreet Kaur believes the upcoming T20I series in South Africa will play a vital role in preparing her side for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026, offering a chance to refine combinations and assess squad depth. Speaking ahead of the five-match tour, Harmanpreet highlighted the confidence within the Indian camp following a strong run in white-ball cricket. With an ODI World Cup title and a T20 series win in Australia behind them, she said the team is approaching the series with momentum and a clear mindset. “Yeah definitely, I think after the ODI World Cup, the team…

The Blaze Women edged out Lancashire Women by 6 runs via the D/L method in a closely fought encounter during Match 8 of the ECB Women’s One-Day Cup 2026 in Nottingham on April 15. The contest featured steady rebuilds, key partnerships, and timely breakthroughs before rain ultimately determined the result. Lancashire Women Build Competitive Total Lancashire began cautiously but lost Eve Jones for 19 at 1-41 in 11.4 overs. Emma Lamb then anchored the innings, bringing stability through partnerships. Gaby Lewis contributed 7 as the score moved to 2-60, before Seren Smale added 26 off 28 balls, helping maintain momentum…

The 7th match of the ECB Women’s One-Day Cup 2026 at The Oval on April 15 delivered a contest full of momentum shifts, as Surrey Women secured a three-wicket victory over Yorkshire Women under the D/L method in a fast-moving chase. The game saw phases of control change hands repeatedly, with key partnerships, timely breakthroughs, and impactful spells shaping the outcome throughout. Yorkshire rebuild after early setback Yorkshire Women began cautiously but suffered an early blow when Georgie Boyce was dismissed for 3, leaving them at 1-21 in 3.4 overs. Lauren Winfield-Hill then steadied the innings, building a partnership with…

South Africa Women and India Women are set to begin their five-match T20I series at the Hollywoodbets Kingsmead Stadium in Durban on April 17. For India, the tour presents an opportunity to carry forward momentum from a strong domestic season while refining team combinations under captain Harmanpreet Kaur. The visitors arrive with a largely settled squad, particularly with a dependable top order, but the conditions in Durban — known for bounce — are expected to test their technique. South Africa, led by Laura Wolvaardt, will aim to maximise home advantage. With a pace attack suited to local conditions, the hosts…

Warwickshire Women produced a dominant batting display against Hampshire Women in Match 6 of the ECB Women’s One-Day Cup 2026 in Birmingham, but persistent rain forced the game to be abandoned, with both sides sharing points. Strong Opening Sets the Platform Warwickshire began with intent, as their opening pair laid a solid foundation. Amu Surenkumar anchored the innings with a steady 51 off 63 balls, striking seven boundaries and rotating the strike effectively. At the other end, Davina Perrin provided early momentum with an attacking 81 off 76 deliveries, including eight fours and three sixes. The duo put together a…

Durham Women produced a composed and commanding performance to defeat Essex Women by 23 runs in a high-scoring ECB Women’s One-Day Cup 2026 clash at Chester-le-Street. The contest featured shifting momentum and strong contributions from both sides, but Durham proved more effective in crucial moments. Wilson and Armitage Anchor Durham’s Total Durham made a steady start, with Emma Marlow laying the foundation through a measured 53 off 73 balls. While the early phase remained controlled, the innings gained significant momentum through a dominant second-wicket partnership between Tahlia Wilson and captain Hollie Armitage. Wilson led the charge with a career-best 152…

India Women, led by Harmanpreet Kaur, are set to tour South Africa for a five-match T20I series from April 17 to April 27, 2026. The series serves as an important preparatory assignment ahead of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in England and Wales, scheduled from June 12 to July 5. India hold a slight advantage in head-to-head T20I contests against South Africa, with 10 wins, 6 defeats, and 3 no-results from 19 matches. Their record in South Africa is also favourable, with 4 wins, 2 losses, and 2 washouts in 8 games. The opening match will be played at…