Author: Priya Menon

The 2026 player auction for The Hundred Women’s competition witnessed several leading cricketers attracting substantial bids as franchises aimed to bolster their squads with a mix of proven performers and emerging talent. Below is a closer look at some of the marquee signings and their records in the tournament. Amy Jones – €70K (London Spirit) England wicketkeeper-batter Amy Jones was signed by London Spirit for €70K after entering the auction with a base price of €50K. Jones has established herself as a reliable contributor in the competition, amassing 634 runs in 38 matches at a strike rate of 129. Sarah…

The Women’s Hundred is set for a major transformation as it prepares for its sixth season, scheduled from July 21 to August 16, 2026. In a significant departure from previous editions, the competition will move away from its traditional draft format — used during the first five seasons — and introduce a high-profile player auction on March 11, 2026, to be staged at Piccadilly Lights in London. Inspired by the format popularised in the IPL, the new auction system is expected to generate intense bidding for leading women’s cricketers from England and across the globe. The growing influence of Indian…

Zimbabwe’s tour of New Zealand has taken a concerning turn, with opening batter Kelis Ndhlovu ruled out of the third and final ODI scheduled for March 11. The decision follows a frightening moment during the second match in Dunedin, when a short-pitched delivery left the young opener requiring immediate medical attention. The incident unfolded in the seventh over of the contest. Ndhlovu, who had begun positively in a 25-run opening partnership with Modester Mupachikwa, tried to evade a sharp bouncer from New Zealand pacer Bree Illing. Despite wearing a helmet, the impact proved severe, and she collapsed on the pitch…

India head coach Amol Muzumdar acknowledged that batting against the pink ball under lights proved “tough” and presented a “different challenge” for his players. However, he stopped short of attributing India’s heavy defeat against Australia at the WACA Ground solely to the day-night format. India’s chances of salvaging a draw in the multi-format series suffered a major setback after they were dismissed for 198 and 149 in the one-off Test, resulting in a ten-wicket loss inside three days during Australia captain Alyssa Healy’s farewell appearance. “They were tough conditions. The pink ball was a different challenge,” Muzumdar told reporters. “There’s…

Jess Jonassen has relinquished her role as captain of Brisbane Heat Women, concluding a five-year period in charge of the side. The Queensland stalwart informed Queensland Cricket CEO Terry Svenson of her decision last month after taking time to assess her position and future with the team. One of the most seasoned figures in Australian domestic cricket, Jonassen assumed the captaincy in 2020, succeeding former skipper Kirby Short. During her tenure, she led the Heat in 81 Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) matches and also captained the Queensland Fire in 30 Women’s National Cricket League (WNCL) fixtures. Across this period,…

New Zealand allrounder Suzie Bates says she feels rejuvenated after recovering from a quadriceps injury that sidelined her for several months, as she targets a return to international cricket ahead of the Women’s T20 World Cup in England later this year. The experienced cricketer admitted she felt like “a kid in a candy store” after being able to bat, bowl and field again during training in Dunedin. Bates has not featured in an international match since the ODI World Cup in October last year, with the injury occurring while fielding for Otago in the Hallyburton Johnstone Shield. Although the issue…

Indian cricket star Smriti Mandhana has reached another significant milestone in her illustrious career after being named in the inaugural Barbie Dream Team. The elegant left-handed batter has become the first cricketer to be honoured with a unique Barbie doll created in her likeness. The special-edition doll has been designed to celebrate Mandhana’s achievements and journey in cricket. Unlike several celebrity-themed dolls that later enter commercial markets, this tribute is not intended for retail sale, making it a symbolic recognition of her influence both on and off the field. Global Icons Join Barbie Dream Team With the launch of the…

Australia delivered a dominant performance to defeat India by ten wickets in the one-off day-night Test at the WACA Ground in Perth, giving retiring captain Alyssa Healy a winning farewell. Although Healy did not get another opportunity to bat, Australia wrapped up the match inside three days to close the multi-format series with a decisive 12–4 points victory. Match summary:Australia 323 (Sutherland 129, Perry 76, Satghare 4-50) and 28/0 (Voll 16*, Litchfield 11*) beat India 198 (Rodrigues 52, Sutherland 4-46) and 149 (Rawal 63, Rana 30, Hamilton 3-32, Gardner 2-8, Sutherland 2-15, King 2-23) by ten wickets. The match had…

Australia all-rounder Ellyse Perry achieved a historic milestone during the one-off Test against India Women at the WACA Ground in Perth, becoming the leading run-scorer for Australia Women in Test cricket. Entering the match with 930 runs in the format, Perry began the game ranked third on Australia Women’s all-time Test run list. Her innings on March 7 allowed her to surpass that mark and set a new national record. Perry Crosses 1000 Test Runs Batting at No. 3 in Australia’s innings, Perry played a composed knock of 76 from 116 balls, striking 10 fours and a six. She looked…

Ire;and secured qualification for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 after finishing second in the standings at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier 2026. Led by captain Gaby Lewis, the side collected six points from five matches, registering three wins to book their place at the tournament alongside Scotland, the Netherlands, and Bangladesh. The global event will take place from June 12 to July 5 in England and Wales. Among Ireland’s contributors during the campaign was wicketkeeper-batter Amy Hunter. The 20-year-old scored 111 runs across four innings at a strike rate of 132.14 and an average of 37,…