Author: Priya Menon

India opener Smriti Mandhana has moved to the summit of the ICC Women’s ODI batting rankings after her performances in the recently completed three-match series against Australia. Mandhana now leads the table with 790 rating points, overtaking South Africa’s Laura Wolvaardt, who sits on 782. Wolvaardt will have a chance to regain the top position when South Africa face New Zealand across March and April. Alyssa Healy, who struck a century in her final ODI appearance, occupies fourth place in the latest rankings with 744 points. She is positioned between Beth Mooney (749) in third and Ashleigh Gardner (724) in…

Some innings shape a contest, others define an occasion. In the third ODI against India, Alyssa Healy produced one of those unforgettable performances, powering Australia to a towering total of 409 and bringing the curtain down on her ODI career in remarkable fashion. The knock blended dominance, emotion, and sheer determination. From the outset, Healy appeared in complete control. She took on the Indian attack with confidence, pierced the field with precision, and cleared the ropes with ease. Her 158 came off just 98 deliveries and featured 27 fours and two sixes, an effort that transformed the match. Maintaining that…

The Pakistan women’s cricket team’s journey back home from South Africa has been postponed amid ongoing cross-border tensions in the Middle East and a partial shutdown of regional airspace, sources told Geo Super on Monday. The side had been due to leave Durban for Pakistan via Dubai on Monday night after wrapping up the ODI leg of the tour. However, flight services across parts of the Middle East have continued to face disruptions because of the prevailing regional situation. While limited flight operations resumed earlier in the day, sources indicated that the team will only begin its return once full…

England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has cancelled the remainder of the England Lions cricket team tour of the UAE following the US-Israeli air strikes on Iran. The governing body confirmed it is arranging for players and support staff to return to the UK. The board has also scrapped the planned training camp in the region for the England women’s cricket team. England Lions had been engaged in a white-ball series against Pakistan Shaheens. While the opening fixtures went ahead, the second of the five scheduled one-day matches was called off due to the deteriorating situation. The remaining three games…

Delhi women’s cricket team created history at the IS Bindra Cricket Stadium by lifting their second Senior Women’s One Day Trophy Elite crown, defeating defending champions Railways women’s cricket team by seven wickets in the 2025-26 final. The triumph ended a 14-year title drought dating back to their 2011/12 success. Delhi dismantled Railways for 133 in 44.2 overs at a run rate of 3.0 before completing the chase in just 28.3 overs at 4.7 runs per over, sealing victory with 129 deliveries remaining. The comprehensive display triggered celebrations within the Delhi & District Cricket Association, where Secretary Ashok Sharma hailed…

Pakistan captain Fatima Sana and her squad remain in South Africa following their white-ball tour, as escalating cross-border tensions in the Middle East have led to extensive airspace closures, disrupting their return plans. The travel uncertainty comes shortly after Pakistan concluded the series with a commanding 119-run win over the hosts in the third ODI. The tour, hosted by Laura Wolvaardt’s South Africa from February 10 to March 1, 2026, featured closely contested cricket across both formats. South Africa claimed the three-match T20I series 2-1 before securing the ODI series with victories of 37 runs in the opening game and…

South Africa have opted for a blend of seasoned campaigners and emerging talent in their squad for the upcoming white-ball tour of New Zealand, with 36-year-old all-rounder Marizanne Kapp unavailable as she continues her rehabilitation. Her absence opens the door for 20-year-old Kayla Reyneke to receive her maiden ODI call-up, while Ayabonga Khaka, Masabata Klaas, and Dané van Niekerk return to the fold. A key figure in the Proteas setup for years, Kapp will miss the five T20Is and three ODIs after falling ill during the third T20I against Pakistan last month. She was subsequently unavailable for the ODI leg…

In a significant step forward for women’s cricket in Mumbai, the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) has sold three franchises for the inaugural Women’s T20 Mumbai League, generating over ₹4 crore through the bidding process. Structured along the lines of the IPL-style men’s T20 Mumbai League, the women’s competition will feature seven matches and aims to showcase the city’s extensive cricketing base. The bidding figures highlight increasing commercial confidence in the women’s game. The tournament is tentatively scheduled to run from June 1 to 15, alongside the men’s league following IPL 2026. Participation will be limited to women cricketers representing Mumbai’s…

Captain Chamari Athapaththu delivered with both bat and ball as Sri Lanka secured a four-wicket victory over West Indies in the second T20I in Grenada, taking a 1-0 lead in the series. The opening match had been abandoned due to rain. Although West Indies were restricted to 101/9 after being asked to bat, Sri Lanka’s pursuit was far from straightforward. The chase became tense despite the modest target, with Athapaththu’s early fireworks proving decisive in complementing her earlier impact with the ball. Sharing the new ball, as she had in the washed-out opener, Athapaththu conceded nine runs from her first…

Bangladesh batter Sobhana Mostary has been awarded the ICC Women’s Player of the Month for January 2026 after delivering a string of decisive performances in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Global Qualifier. The 24-year-old right-hander, who also contributes with right-arm off-break, played a pivotal role in Bangladesh’s unbeaten run that sealed their place at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup later this year. Her ability to combine consistency with attacking intent set her apart during the tournament. Ireland captain Gaby Lewis and USA fast bowler Tara Norris were the other nominees for the January honour. Key contributions in the…