Author: Priya Menon

When 23-year-old Nensi Patel received her White Ferns cap at Seddon Park on February 25, 2026, it marked a landmark moment in New Zealand women’s cricket history. Patel became the first Indian-born cricketer to represent the national women’s team, completing a journey shaped by determination, family support and ambitions that spanned continents. Her debut came in the opening T20I of New Zealand’s home white-ball series against Zimbabwe. Led by captain Amelia Kerr, the White Ferns went on to secure 3-0 victories in both the T20I and ODI legs. Patel made an immediate impact, finishing as joint-highest wicket-taker in the T20I…

The Women’s Hundred is preparing for its sixth season, with franchises reshaping their squads ahead of the 2026 campaign. The latest auction and retention phase saw teams secure several established stars while also making aggressive bids for high-profile names to strengthen their line-ups. The structure of the competition has also experienced a significant shift following fresh investments from IPL franchises. Four teams in The Hundred now operate under IPL ownership, with three of them adopting new identities aligned with their Indian counterparts. Oval Invincibles will compete as MI London under the Mumbai Indians banner, Northern Superchargers have been rebranded as…

India’s cricketers dominated the women’s categories at ESPNcricinfo’s annual awards for individual performances in 2025, highlighting a year in which the national side secured its maiden World Cup title. Jemimah Rodrigues earned the women’s ODI batting honour for her memorable century against Australia in the World Cup, an innings played despite battling cramps that helped eliminate the defending champions. Deepti Sharma received the ODI bowling award following her decisive five-wicket haul in the final against South Africa. Harmanpreet Kaur was recognised with the captain’s award after guiding India to the world title, completing white-ball series victories in England and securing…

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…