Author: Priya Menon

South Africa Women Under-19s delivered a disciplined and tactically controlled performance to defeat Zimbabwe Women Under-19s by 28 runs in the 7th match of the Nigeria Invitational Women’s T20I tournament in Lagos. The SAW U19 vs ZWU19 contest saw the South Africans produce a balanced display with both bat and ball after choosing to set a target. Their innings developed in stages, beginning with positive intent before a period of consolidation in the middle overs and a late push that helped them post a competitive total. The opening partnership started confidently, though the first wicket fell at 1-55 in 4.6…

Anushka Sharma has earned her maiden T20I call-up ahead of the upcoming series against South Africa. In an exclusive interaction, her coach Arun Singh reflects on her journey, dedication, and progress on the path to the national team. He also points to the areas she still needs to refine while keeping the long-term World Cup ambition in perspective. The 22-year-old all-rounder from Madhya Pradesh secured her first India Women’s selection after being included in the 15-player squad for the five-match T20I series against South Africa, announced on March 24. With the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 on the horizon,…

New Zealand Cricket (NZC) has taken a key step toward reshaping the domestic T20 landscape by identifying NZ20 as its preferred pathway for the future, effectively moving away from the current Super Smash format. The governing body has also stressed the need for a stronger emphasis on the women’s game within the proposed model. In an official statement, NZC confirmed that the NZ20 competition is set to proceed, with plans indicating a potential launch as early as January 2027 for the men’s tournament and later in 2027 for the women’s event. The new structure is intended to replace the existing…

Amelia Kerr struck her second T20I century with a blistering 55-ball 105 and also claimed two wickets as New Zealand secured a comprehensive 92-run victory over South Africa in the fifth T20I. The result sealed a 4-1 series triumph for the hosts at the Hagley Oval in Christchurch on Wednesday. Asked to bat first, New Zealand suffered an early setback when Isabella Gaze was dismissed in the second over. However, Kerr and Georgia Plimmer steadied the innings with a 45-run partnership for the second wicket. South Africa briefly fought back when Tumi Sekhukhune removed Plimmer and Sophie Devine in consecutive…

Ireland Women are gearing up for one of their busiest seasons yet, combining crucial ICC Women’s T20 World Cup fixtures with an intensive ICC Women’s Championship (ICCWC) programme over the next 12 months. The team will return to the international spotlight with a blend of home assignments and challenging overseas tours, all leading up to the 10th edition of the T20 World Cup, scheduled to take place in England and Wales from June 12 to July 5, 2026. Home Tri-Series to Launch Summer Campaign Ireland’s preparations begin with a home T20I tri-series at Clontarf Cricket Club, where they will face…

The fifth and final T20I between New Zealand Women and South Africa Women at Hagley Oval carries significance despite the series result already being decided. With the White Ferns holding an unassailable 3-1 lead, the contest offers South Africa one last opportunity to build momentum ahead of the ODI leg, while the hosts aim to maintain the high standards they have displayed throughout the series. New Zealand have appeared confident in home conditions, particularly during the fourth T20I where they completed a record chase. Sophie Devine, marking her 150th T20I appearance, played a key role with a commanding 64 as…

Rwanda Women secured a narrow victory over South Africa Women U19 in a tightly contested fixture of the Nigeria Women’s T20I Invitational, with the result ultimately determined by the DLS method in a rain-affected 14-over-a-side encounter. The match featured a series of momentum shifts, with both teams producing key partnerships and impactful spells throughout the contest. Rwanda began their innings with a measured approach, anchored by Fanny Utagushimaninde at the top. She compiled a patient 24 from 25 deliveries, striking three boundaries, and put together the first significant stand alongside Giselle Ishimwe. Ishimwe contributed a quick 6 off 3 balls,…

In a step towards preparations for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 in England and Wales, scheduled from June 12 to July 5, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has named a 15-member squad for the upcoming five-match T20I series against South Africa. The team will be led by Harmanpreet Kaur and includes uncapped batter Anushka Sharma, who has received her first national call-up following an impressive Women’s Premier League campaign with Gujarat Giants during the tournament’s fourth edition. Seam-bowling allrounder Kashvee Gautam is also in line for a potential T20I debut, while wicketkeeper Uma Chetry…

Hosts Nigeria head into Match 8 of the Nigeria Women’s T20I Invitational carrying strong expectations, but they have already demonstrated their ability to perform under pressure at the Tafawa Balewa Square. Built around a settled group of players who have spent significant time together in the national setup, Nigeria will be looking to maintain momentum. Rwanda, on the other hand, arrive as a confident and cohesive unit after registering three successive victories. The fixture is scheduled for March 24, 2026, at the Tafawa Balewa Square Cricket Oval in Lagos, with the start time set for 6:30 PM Indian Standard Time…

Fast bowler Kayley Knight has been handed her first Women’s ODI call-up ahead of New Zealand’s upcoming one-day series against South Africa. Knight recently made her T20I debut during the series in which New Zealand secured a 3-0 sweep over Zimbabwe, finishing with two wickets from her two appearances. A member of New Zealand’s squad at the 2023 U19 T20 World Cup, Knight earned her place in the national setup following consistent domestic performances. She claimed 10 wickets for Northern Brave in the 2025/26 Super Smash, finishing as their joint second-highest wicket-taker, which contributed to her initial T20I selection. Her…