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Melbourne, Sep 3 (Ians) India captain Harmanpreet Kaur was the only player from the country selected in the inaugural Women’s Big Bash League (Wbbl) overseas draft, held on Sunday. She was placed in the platinum category of the draft and was picked by Melbourne Renegades, who also drafted in West Indies captain Hayley Matthews.

Harmanpreet returns to the Renegades and the Wbbl after missing last season due to injury. She was the Player of the Tournament in Wbbl season seven, after being the Renegades’ leading run-scorer (406) and wicket-taker (15). She recently represented the Trent Rockets in The Hundred, and led the Mumbai Indians to the inaugural Women’s Ipl title earlier this year.

“I’m so pleased we got both of them and I’m looking forward to them working with us again this year. It was a tough decision – do we go Harmanpreet at pick three, or do we go Hayley.

Wellington, Aug 31 (Ians) Batter Kate Anderson and all-rounder Bella Armstrong have earned their maiden call-ups to the New Zealand women’s upcoming tour of South Africa in September, just two years after receiving Nzc Development contracts.

The selectors have pitched up two separate 15-player squads for a tour that comprises three ODIs and five T20Is, starting from September 24.

Anderson’s selection follows her most successful professional season, which saw her named Nzc’s Women’s Domestic Player of The Year and put her in line to tour Sri Lanka with the White Ferns in July before she was ruled out with a finger injury.

The 27-year-old smashed a chart-topping 536 runs at an average of 59 in the Super Smash, her run aggregate more than 100 clear of the next best female or male.

The 23-year-old Armstrong has been included in the T20I series only and will replace wicket-keeper Izzy Gaze,...

Melbourne, Aug 30 (Ians) India captain Harmanpreet Kaur, batter Jemimah Rodrigues, wicketkeeper-batter Richa Ghosh, all-rounders Deepti Sharma and Pooja Vastrakar are amongst the platinum players in the inaugural Wbbl overseas draft announced by the league on Wednesday.

Overall, 50 players have been given platinum status for the Bbl and Wbbl overseas drafts happening on September 3. The 25 players named in the platinum list are eligible to be drafted in the first round by teams within the top salary band.

Harmanpreet has played for Sydney Thunder and Melbourne Renegades in the league, while Richa represented Hobart Hurricanes in last year’s Wbbl season. Jemimah has turned out for Melbourne Stars and Renegades, while Deepti played for Sydney Thunder and Pooja represented Brisbane Heat in the past.

Chamari Athapaththu, Lauren Bell, Tazmin Brits, Alice Capsey, Kate Cross, Nida Dar, Sophie Devine, Deandra Dottin, Sarah Glenn, Shabnim Ismail, Marizanne Kapp, Amelia Kerr, Heather Knight, Hayley Matthews,...

Dubai, Aug 7 (Ians) Two of England’s Ashes stars — top order batter Zak Crawley and bowling all-rounder Chris Woakes — along with young Dutch batting all-rounder Bas de Leede have been nominated for the Icc’s Men’s Player of the Month award for July.

England opener Zak Crawley topped the run-scoring charts for the home side and inspired England’s fightback in the series from the top of the order with a string of notable batting displays.

The right-hander was the highest runs-scorer for England in the recently concluded Ashes even against the new ball, and he was prolific particularly across his knocks in July, most notably his 189 (182) at Old Trafford.

Chris Woakes returned to the side staring down a two-nil series deficit and bowled brilliantly to take important wickets throughout the remainder of the series.

The 34-year-old pacer took five wickets in the first innings in Manchester, and a...

Dubai, July 11 (Ians) New Zealand star Suzie Bates returned to the top five while India captain Harmanpreet Kaur made it back to the top 10 in the latest Icc Women’s T20I batting rankings, released on Tuesday.

Bates, a formerly top-ranked batter, has advanced three places to reach fifth position after scores of 44 and 52 helped her team take a winning 2-0 lead in their three-match series in Sri Lanka while Kaur’s match-winning 54 not out off 35 balls in the opening T20I of their three-match series in Bangladesh has lifted her four places to 10th position.

In the latest update, that also considers performances in the second and third matches of the England-Australia series as well as all three matches of the West Indies versus Ireland series, West Indies skipper Hayley Matthews is a significant gainer after being named ‘Player of the Series’ for contributions with both bat and ball.

Mumbai, March 27 (Ians) After becoming runners-up in the inaugural Womens Premier League (Wpl) through a seven-wicket loss to Mumbai Indians in the final, Delhi Capitals’ fast-bowling all-rounder Shikha Pandey believes the side has it in them to bag many more titles in the future editions of the tournament.

“All the conversations in the DC camp have been around being the best team players. The team that has the most team players usually wins. It didn’t work out for us this time, but I’m sure we will have many more titles in the longer run. We’ll try harder next season,” Shikha was quoted as saying in a release by the franchise on Monday.

In the final played at the Brabourne Stadium, Delhi were in deep trouble at 79/9, but then Shikha and Radha Yadav were unbeaten on 27 not out each as the duo shared a phenomenal 52-run partnership for...

Mumbai, March 27 (Ians) Head coach Charlotte Edwards and bowling coach Jhulan Goswami praised their team for sticking together and building strong bonds as Mumbai Indians won their maiden title in the inaugural Women’s Premier League (Wpl) by beating Delhi Capitals by seven wickets in the final, here on Sunday.

Player of the Match Nat Sciver-Brunt struck a superb 60 not out off 55 deliveries, hitting seven boundaries and raising 72 runs for the third wicket with captain Harmanpreet Kaur (37) and 39 for the unfinished fourth wicket partnership with Amelia Kerr (14 not out) to guide them to 134/3 in 19.3 overs after their bowlers Issy Wong, Hayley Matthew and Amelia Kerr shared eight wickets between them as Delhi Capitals were restricted to 131/9 in 20 overs.

The Mumbai Indians players raced into the ground in celebration as Sciver-Brunt struck a boundary off Alice Capsey’s third delivery in the final over after she and Kerr had smacked 16 runs...

Mumbai, March 26 (Ians) Mumbai Indians claimed the trophy in the inaugural Women’s Premier League (Wpl) in front of an adoring full-house at the Brabourne stadium, beating Delhi Capitals by seven wickets in the final thanks to an unbeaten 60 by England all-rounder Nat Sciver-Brunt, here on Sunday.

Sciver-Brunt struck 60 not out off 55 deliveries, hitting seven boundaries and raising 72 runs for the third wicket with captain Harmanpreet Kaur (37) and 39 for the unbeaten fourth wicket partnership to guide them to 134/3 in 19.3 overs after their bowlers Issy Wong, Hayley Matthew and Amelia Kerr shared eight wickets between them as Delhi Capitals were restricted to 131/9 in 20 overs.

Delhi Capitals, who had topped the table for a direct berth to the final, had opted to bat first on winning the toss and reached a decent total thanks to an unbeaten 52 runs partnership for the 10th wicket between Shikha Pandey (27 not out) and Radha Yadav (27).

Though...

Mumbai, March 26 (Ians) An unbeaten 52 runs partnership for the last wicket between Shikha Pandey (27 not out) and Radha Yadav (27 not out) helped Delhi Capitals recover from precarious 79/9 to post a decent 131/9 in 20 overs against Mumbai Indians in the final of the Women’s Premier League (Wpl) 2023, here on Sunday.

Pandey and Yadav came together just when Delhi were struggling to cross the hundred-100 mark in the summit clash played in front of a partisan full-house at the Brabourne Stadium, and helped their team reach a target they could attempt to defend.

The Delhi Capitals batters looked in a hurry, hoping to put up a big score and did not give themselves time to settle down. Their top-order batters gifted their wickets, as three of them got out to full-tosses while skipper Meg Lanning (35) was run out after a horrendous mix-up with Jess Jonassen.

Issey Wong (3-42), Hayley Matthew (3-5) and...

Mumbai, March 26 (Ians) Delhi Capitals won the toss and elected to bat first against Mumbai Indians in the final of the inaugural Women’s Premier League (Wpl) at the Brabourne Stadium, here on Sunday.

Delhi Capitals captain Meg Lanning saw it as the best chance of winning the match for her team. She said the team had a really good time during the break and have switched back to match mode.

“Mumbai are a great team and we want to be at our best,” she said.

Delhi made one change in their playing XI with Minnu Mani coming in for Poonam Yadav.

Mumbai Indians go into the match with an unchanged side and skipper Harmanpreet Kaur said they were looking to bowl first anyway.

“We were looking to bowl first, so the toss does not make a difference. We want to be positive. We are getting a lot of confidence from the last game.

Navi Mumbai, March 24 (Ians) Nat Sciver-Brunt’s power-packed batting performance, followed by Issy Wong’s sensational bowling (4/15) including the first ever Women’s Premier League hat-trick powered Mumbai Indians to a thumping 72 run win over Up Warriorz in Eliminator to reach the final of the inaugural edition of the tournament at Dr Dy Patil Sports Academy, here on Friday.

After demolishing Up, Mumbai Indians will now face Delhi Capitals in the final of the Wpl 2023 on Sunday.

England all-rounder Sciver-Brunt’s blistering half-century ( 72 not out off 38)propelled Mumbai Indians to 182-4 in 20 overs. Dropped when she was on 6 by Ecclestone, Sciver-Brunt made Up Warriorz pay dearly.

Apart from her, the likes of Amelia Kerr (29), Hayley Matthews (26), Yastika Bhatia (21) and Harmanpreet Kaur (14) got starts but couldn’t convert them into big innings for Mumbai. Sophie Ecclestone, who bagged two wickets (2/39), was the most successful bowler for Up Warriorz.

Chasing a formidable total,...

Navi Mumbai, March 24 (Ians) Riding on brilliant performances from Nat Sciver-Brunt (72 not out off 38) and Issy Wong (4/15), Mumbai Indians thrashed Up Warriorz by 72 runs in Eliminator to reach the final of the Women’s Premier League (Wpl) 2023 at Dr Dy Patil Sports Academy, here on Friday.

Mumbai Indians will now face Delhi Capitals in the final of the Wpl 2023 on Sunday.

England all-rounder Sciver-Brunt’s blistering half-century propelled Mumbai Indians to 182-4 in 20 overs. Dropped when she was on 6 by Ecclestone, Sciver-Brunt made Up Warriorz pay dearly.

Apart from her, the likes of Amelia Kerr (29), Hayley Matthews (26), Yastika Bhatia (21) and Harmanpreet Kaur (14) got starts but couldn’t convert them into big innings for Mumbai.

Sophie Ecclestone, who bagged two wickets (2/39), was the most successful bowler for Up Warriorz.

In reply, Up Warriorz kept losing wickets at regular intervals, and didn’t get the momentum as none of their batters could get going in the chase.

Navi Mumbai, March 24 (Ians) England all-rounder Nat Sciver-Brunt’s blistering half-century (72 not out off 38) propelled Mumbai Indians to 182-4 against Up Warriorz in Eliminator of the Women’s Premier League (Wpl) 2023 at Dr Dy Patil Sports Academy, here on Friday.

Dropped when she was on 6 by Ecclestone, Sciver-Brunt made Up Warriorz pay dearly. Apart from her, the likes of Amelia Kerr (29), Hayley Matthews (26), Yastika Bhatia (21) and Harmanpreet Kaur (14) got starts but couldn’t convert them into big innings for Mumbai.

Up Warriorz, who won the toss, were able to keep things in check for the first half of the game via their spinners. Apart from Sciver-Brunt, nobody was able to play big shots.

However, in the last five overs, Sciver-Brunt provided much-needed impetus to the innings and also got some good support by Kerr and Pooja Vastrakar (11 off 4).Mumbai erupted towards the end and smacked 66 runs in the last five...

Auckland, March 23 (Ians) Amelia Kerr and Daryl Mitchell have been recognised as winners of top honours in the New Zealand Cricket Awards ceremony, here. While Amelia won the inaugural Debbie Hockley Medal awarded to outstanding women’s cricketer, Mitchell was named winner of the Sir Richard Hadlee Medal awarded to outstanding men’s cricketer.

Mitchell, who also won the Redpath Cup for men’s first-class batting, was recognised for a stand-out year across the board but particularly at Test level, where he scored four centuries, played a leading hand in New Zealand’s last ball win against Sri Lanka at Christchurch, and rose to number eight in the Test batting rankings.

Mitchell amassed 913 Test runs at an average of 70.23, including a highest score of 190 against England at Trent Bridge last year. In 16 Test innings he scored 50 or more on nine occasions. Amelia, on the other hand, was also named the...

Mumbai, March 21 (Ians) Mumbai Indians (Mi) beat Royal Challengers Bangalore (Rcb) by four wickets in Match 19 of the Women’s Premier League (Wpl) on Tuesday at the D.Y Patil Stadium here to take the top spot.

With the win, Mumbai hold the provisional top spot and will have to wait for the result of the match between Delhi Capitals and Up Warriorz to ensure their direct qualification to the final.

Amelia Kerr mixed guile, flight, and turn to pick up three wickets (3-22) as a disciplined bowling effort from the Mi bowlers restricted Rcb to 125/9 in 20 overs. Yastika Bhatia then provided a good platform with a 26-ball 30 before Kerr’s calculated knock of 31 not out off 27 balls helped Mi seal the chase after a slight stutter in the middle.

Chasing 126, Mi survived a scare first up as Hayley Matthews was adjudged Lbw off the first ball of the innings...

Navi Mumbai, March 20 (Ians) Stellar performances in batting, bowling and fielding departments propelled a dominant Delhi Capitals to thrash Mumbai Indians by nine wickets in Match 18 of Women’s Premier League (Wpl) 2023 at the Dy Patil Stadium here on Monday.

On a slow pitch which had some help for the fast bowlers, Marizanne Kapp, Shikha Pandey and Jess Jonassen picked two wickets each while Jemimah Rodrigues had two outstanding catches to her name in keeping Mumbai to a below-par 109/8.

Barring a 37-run partnership off 29 balls between captain Harmanpreet Kaur and Pooja Vastrakar, there wasn’t much of note from Mumbai’s batting. In reply, powerful 30s from Meg Lanning, Shafali Verma and Alice Capsey helped Delhi complete the chase in just nine overs.

Finishing the chase off early has propelled Delhi to now be top of the points table and go past Mumbai in terms of Net Run Rate. Marizanne...

Navi Mumbai, March 20 (Ians) Delhi Capitals skipper Meg Lanning has won the toss and elected to bowl first against Mumbai Indians in match 18 of the Women’s Premier League at the Dy Patil Stadium on Monday.

It is a clash between the top two teams of the competition who have already made it to the playoffs, with Up Warriorz joining them earlier in the day. But the race for the top spot and getting a direct entry into the final is still active, while the second-placed team will go into the eliminator against the third-ranked side.

Mumbai, the current table-toppers, are coming off their first loss of the competition in their previous match against the Warriorz, while Delhi come in after losing to the Gujarat Giants by 11 runs.

“No real reason (for bowling first). Just going to see how it goes. Same team, the same combination as the previous game.

Navi Mumbai, March 18 (Ians) Riding on some fine batting by Tahlia McGrath and Grace Harris and brilliant bowling efforts by their bowlers, Up Warriorz ended Mumbai Indians’ unbeaten streak with a thrilling 5-wicket win in match 15 of the Women’s Premier League (Wpl) at Dy Patil Stadium here on Saturday.

After the brilliant show with the ball that helped them bundle out Mumbai Indians for 127 in 20 overs, Up Warriorz chased down the target with three balls remaining, courtesy of a 38 off 25 by McGrath and 39 off 28 balls by Harris.

Chasing 128, the Warriorz had a slow start with just one run off the first over. Hayley Matthews drew the first blood in the second over, trapping Devika Vaidya for one. Vaidya tried to drive but got a thick edge. Harmanpreet Kaur, stationed at first slip, dived to her right and snapped up a stupendous one-handed catch.

Having scored some much-needed runs, Issy Wong...

Navi Mumbai, March 18 (Ians) Up Warriorz won the toss and elected to field first against Mumbai Indians in Match 15 of the Women’s Premier League (Wpl) at the Dy Patil Stadium here on Saturday.

While Warriorz have made one change in their playing XI with leg-spinner Parshavi Chopra coming in for Shweta Sehrawat, Mi opted to take the field with no change in the line-up.

After winning the toss, Warriorz skipper Alyssa Healy said: “We have chased a lot better than what we have set this year, so that’s one of the reasons for bowling first.”

On the other hand, Mi captain Harmanpreet Kaur said losing the toss is a new experience for her. “I am sure the team is getting used to this now (losing the toss). We would have batted first anyway. We are going with the same team. We are keeping things simple, just want to enjoy ourselves.

Mumbai, March 14 (Ians) Mumbai Indians continued their winning run in the 2023 Women’s Premier League (Wpl) as they beat Gujarat Giants (Gg) by 55 runs at the Brabourne Stadium – Cci, here on Tuesday.

Captain Harmanpreet Kaur’s brilliant fifty (51) and Yastika Bhatia’s (44) impressive opening knock led the way for Mi before their bowling attack restricted Gujarat to 107/9.

Chasing 163, the Gujarat Giants got off to a shaky start. Sophia Dunkley was trapped Lbw on the very first delivery of the innings.

Mi started the powerplay on a high note and that’s exactly how they finished it. Hayley Mathews removed Sabbhineni Meghana and Annabel Sutherland in the same over as the Gujarat Giants were reeling at 34/3 after 6 overs.

Harleen Deol struck three fours to get going but her 22-run knock was put to an end by Issy Wong, who got the Gg opener out Lbw in the 9th over.

Troubles grew...

Mumbai, March 6 (Ians) Off-spin all-rounder Hayley Matthews picked three wickets to lead a superb bowling show for Mumbai Indians as they bowled out Royal Challengers Bangalore for 155 in the fourth match of Wpl 2023 at Brabourne Stadium on Monday.

Bangalore had a flying start as they reached 39/0. But Hayley and Saika Ishaque making double strikes meant they went to 43/4. It took decent cameos from Kanika Ahuja, Richa Ghosh, Shreyanka Patil and Megan Schutt to take Bangalore past 150.

For Mumbai, Hayley was the standout bowler with 3-28, while Saika and Amelia Kerr took two wickets each as the spinners took seven wickets combined. Bangalore captain Smriti Mandhana began by dancing down the pitch to punch Hayley through extra cover for a boundary. Her opening partner Sophie Devine ended the opening over with a slog-sweep going for a six.

Smriti was at her absolute best — pulling easily off Nat Sciver-Brunt, before nailing an...

Mumbai, March 5 (Ians) Nita Ambani, Director of Reliance Industries, who are owners of Mumbai Indians in the Women’s Premier League (Wpl), hopes that the tournament will help a lot more women take up sports and make a career in it.

Batting first, captain Harmanpreet Kaur’s quickfire and pristine 65, including 14 fours, took Mumbai Indians to a mammoth 207/5 at the Dy Patil Stadium in the first match of the Wpl 2023 on Sunday.

In reply, Gujarat Giants were never in the game as Mumbai Indians’ bowlers kept taking wickets at regular intervals and restricted them to a mere 64 in 15.1 overs, as Mumbai registered a whopping 143-run win to begin the tournament.

“It is an iconic day and an iconic moment for women in sport. It’s so thrilling to be a part of the Wpl. I hope this inspires young girls across the country to take up sport, realise their dream and follow their hearts,...

Mumbai, March 5 (Ians) After a thumping victory over Gujarat Giants in the opening match of the inaugural edition of the Women’s Premier League (Wpl), Mumbai Indians skipper Harmanpreet Kaur revealed that whatever they did, it worked well for the team, adding that they kept things simple and clear.

Riding on Harmanpreet’s scintillating and power-packed knock of 65 off 30 and Saika Ishaque’s superb 4/11, Mumbai Indians registered a dominant 143-run victory over Gujarat Giants in the first match of the Wpl 2023 at the Dr Dy Patil Sports Academy on Saturday.

Brilliant knocks from Harmanpreet, Hayley Matthews (47) and Amelia Kerr (45 not out) helped Mi post a huge total of 207 on the board.

Chasing a daunting target of 208, Gujarat Giants got off to a tricky start as their captain Beth Mooney hobbled off the field with a leg injury in the first over and didn’t return to bat. Mumbai spinners then...

Mumbai, March 4 (Ians) Skipper Harmanpreet Kaur’s impressive fifty (65 off 30), followed by Saika Ishaque’s sensational four-fer (4/11) led Mumbai Indians to a dominant 143-run victory over Gujarat Giants in the opening match of the Women’s Premier League (Wpl) 2023 at the Dr Dy Patil Sports Academy, here on Saturday.

Kaur’s historic fifty powered Mumbai Indians to an imposing 207 for five in 20 overs. Apart from Harmanpreet, Amelia Kerr (45 not out off 24) and Hayley Matthews (47 off 31) also played valuable knocks for Mi.

Chasing a huge total, Gujarat batters had immense pressure on Gujarat and they crumbled under that. With Mooney getting injured in the first over, they were already staring down the barrel.

Very soon Gujarat lost four wickets inside the powerplay which completely pushed them back. They couldn’t recover from there. Only two batters got into the double digits, with Dayalan Hemalatha being the top-scorer beat Gujarat Giants Innings 64-9 in 15.1 overs by 143 runs.

Mumbai, March 4 (Ians) Skipper Harmanpreet Kaur’s historic fifty (65 off 30) powered Mumbai Indians to an imposing 207 for five against Gujarat Giants in the opening match of the Women’s Premier League (Wpl) 2023 at the Dr Dy Patil Sports Academy, here on Saturday.

Apart from Harmanpreet, Amelia Kerr (45 not out off 24) and Hayley Matthews (47 off 31) also played valuable knocks for Mi.

After winning the toss and opting to bowl first, Tanuja Kanwar in her first over sent Yastika back cheaply. But, the two experienced internationals, Matthews and Sciver-Brunt were in their elements and batted brilliantly.

Matthews and Sciver-Brunt got their side off to a good start in the powerplay. Wareham got the better of the Sciver-Brunt and right after that, Matthews also missed out on a fifty.

However, the real carnage came after the 10th over. Harmanpreet was on a rampage from the get go and sent the bowlers to the cleaners.

Paarl (South Africa), Feb 20 (Ians) New Zealand skipper Sophie Devine is extremely proud of her team’s comeback at the ongoing Icc Women’s T20 World Cup as they stayed in the Group 1 fight with a thumping win over Sri Lanka.

The White Ferns grasped an outside chance of sealing progress to the semi-finals of the T20 World Cup with a 102-run win on Sunday night.

Having picked themselves up off the canvas following defeats in their first two games, Devine lauded her side’s resilience to stay alive in South Africa.

“We just wish that was how we played in the first game! I was embarrassed after the first game but now I just feel extreme pride, to be able to bounce back in the way that we have,” said Devine.

“We’ve given ourselves a chance. Even if it’s a tiny, small chance, we’re still in...

Cape Town, Feb 17 (Ians) New Zealand kept their faint hopes of reaching the semifinals alive with an emphatic 71-run win over Bangladesh in the Icc Women’s T20 World Cup at the Newlands here on Friday.

Suzie Bates’s superb 81 runs set the White Ferns on their way to a first victory of the Icc Women’s T20 World Cup 2023, validating their decision to bat first with a tournament-high 189 for three in their 20 overs.

That proved far too much for the Tigresses, whose chances of a miraculous victory fell away after losing two wickets early in their reply, as they stuttered to 118 for eight.

Needing a big win to stand a chance of progressing to the last four, New Zealand opted for a hit-and-run approach from the off. Bernadine Bezuidenhout started the innings with purpose, guiding a wide and fullish first ball from Marufa Akter down to the third-man boundary.

Cape Town, Feb 17 (Ians) New Zealand kept their faint hopes of reaching the semifinals alive with an emphatic 71-run win over Bangladesh in the Icc Women’s T20 World Cup at the Newlands here on Friday.

Suzie Bates’s superb 81 runs set the White Ferns on their way to a first victory of the Icc Women’s T20 World Cup 2023, validating their decision to bat first with a tournament-high 189 for three in their 20 overs.

That proved far too much for the Tigresses, whose chances of a miraculous victory fell away after losing two wickets early in their reply, as they stuttered to 118 for eight.

Needing a big win to stand a chance of progressing to the last four, New Zealand opted for a hit-and-run approach from the off. Bernadine Bezuidenhout started the innings with purpose, guiding a wide and fullish first ball from Marufa Akter down to the third-man boundary.

New Delhi, Jan 21 (Ians) India’s middle-order batter Jemimah Rodrigues said her team is eagerly waiting for the start of the Women’s T20 World Cup from February 10 in South Africa, with the showpiece event now just 20 days away from commencement.

“It’s great to be in South Africa already preparing for the Women’s T20 World Cup. You can see and feel the excitement around the country for this event, which is the pinnacle of T20 cricket. We can’t wait for the tournament to get started come February 10,” Jemimah was quoted as saying by Icc.

India, the runners-up in 2020 Women’s T20 World Cup in Australia, are set to begin their campaign on February 12 against Pakistan in Cape Town. India, led by Harmanpreet Kaur, is in Group 2 alongside England, West Indies, Pakistan, and Ireland.

The top two teams in each group at the end of the group stage will play in the semi-finals.

New Delhi, Jan 20 (Ians) Wicketkeeper-batter Bernadine Bezuidenhout has been named in the New Zealand squad for the Icc Women’s T20 World Cup to be held from February 10-26 in South Africa.

The 29-year-old, who last played for New Zealand in January 2020, returns after a two-year break from cricket to focus on recovering from Red-s (Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport) a condition that affects many female athletes in the country.

She is the only change to the New Zealand squad that faced Bangladesh in three T20s and three ODIs at home in December 2022, with wicketkeeper Jess McFadyen missing out.

Bernadine has impressed since returning to the game this summer, scoring her second List-a century for Northern Districts in the opening weekend of the Hallyburton Johnstone Shield, and earning selection for the New Zealand XI side which faced Bangladesh in one-day and T20 warm-up matches in November 2022.

“For the past...

New Delhi, Jan 10 (Ians) Former New Zealand men’s cricketer Bruce Murray has died aged 82. Murray was a right-hand opening batter who made his Test debut in February 1968 and played for New Zealand in 13 matches, scoring 598 runs at an average of 23.92, including five fifties.

His highest Test score of 90 came in Lahore in 1969, where he helped Zealand take a decisive first-innings lead of 127 in a low-scoring match against Pakistan. New Zealand went on to win that Test match by five wickets. Eventually, they claimed the three-match series 1-0, making that triumph their first-ever Test-series win, home or away.

Murray was also only one of three international cricketers to take a wicket and not give away any runs, when he bowled an over against India during the third Test in Wellington in 1968, and dismissed opener Syed Abid Ali.

Overall, Murray played 102 first-class matches, majority of which came for Wellington in domestic cricket,...

Dubai, Dec 13 (Ians) Continuing her remarkable recent rise, Australia batter Tahlia McGrath jumped three places to become the No.1 ranked T20I batter in the latest Icc Women’s Player Rankings, released on Tuesday, after her superb performances in the first two matches of their ongoing series against India.

The 27-year-old, who struck unbeaten knocks of 40 and 70 in Mumbai, has overtaken compatriots Meg Lanning and Beth Mooney as well as India opener Smriti Mandhana to become the fourth Australian and 12th batter to top the women’s T20I rankings.

Mooney had been at the top since August 3 this year when she overtook Lanning. Icc Hall of Famer Karen Rolton is the other Australian to have been at the top of the rankings.

McGrath claims the honour just 16 games into her T20I career — the same amount of matches it took India great Mithali Raj to reach the feat in...

Christchurch, Nov 30 (Ians) Former New Zealand men’s cricketer Dean Brownlie has been named as the new batting coach of the women’s team. The White Ferns have also got Craig Howard on board as their spin bowling coach.

Brownlie, who retired from his playing career at the end of the 2019/20 season with 14 Tests, 16 ODIs and five T20Is for the Blackcaps, joins the New Zealand women’s coaching staff following a stint with Northern Districts Cricket as their Network coach.

He brings previous international coaching experience to the role having joined the senior men’s coaching group as batting coach for last summer’s home series against the Netherlands, and more recently, being a member of coaching staff for the Men’s T20 World Cup campaign in Australia.

“This batting group has a mix of world-class players and exciting young players coming through as well, so there’s a...

Auckland, Nov 28 (Ians) Wicket-keeper-obatter Jess McFadyen is set to make her international cricket debut through New Zealand’s upcoming home series against Bangladesh.

Jess, 31, is the only new face in an otherwise unchanged New Zealand squad that won both the Odi and T20I series on the recent tour to the West Indies, with fellow wicket-keeper Izzy Gaze making way as she’s with the U19 squad on the tour of India.

New Zealand head coach Ben Sawyer said the series against Bangladesh, which comprises three T20s and three ODIs, was a good opportunity for Jess to show her skills on the international stage, especially with the Women’s T20 World Cup happening in South Africa next year.

“Debuting for your country is always a special moment, so we’re delighted to be welcoming Jess into the side for what will be an exciting series. Jess brings great energy...

Dubai, Oct 11 (Ians) India women’s team allrounder Deepti Sharma has moved to a career-best third position in the latest Icc T20I Rankings for bowlers with her exceptional performance in the Asia Cup, currently underway in Bangladesh.

The 25-year-old off-spinner picked up 3/27 against Pakistan, 2/13 against Bangladesh and 2/10 versus Thailand.

Sharma’s rise has seen her go past West Indies’ in-form star Hayley Matthews, South African pacer Shabnim Ismail and Australia’s Megan Schutt in the rankings. However, despite her fine form, two English players remain ahead of Sharma in the rankings, with Sarah Glenn and Sophie Ecclestone in second and first position respectively.

Sharma’s efforts have also seen her inch ahead of Ashleigh Gardner in the All-rounders’ Rankings, meaning the Indian now lies in a career-best third spot, behind Matthews and New Zealand cricketer Sophie Devine.

But arguably the most notable shift by an All-rounder has come from New Zealand’s Amelia Kerr.

St. John’s (Antigua), Oct 7 (Ians) West Indies captain Hayley Matthews’ 56 went in vain as Maddy Green hit an unbeaten 32 to take New Zealand to a five-wicket victory in the final T20I at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium and clinch the five-match series 4-1.

After Fran Jonas (2/8), Eden Carson (2/17) and Suzie Bates (3/10) restricted West Indies to 101/8 in 20 overs, Maddy led the charge for New Zealand in chasing the score on the last ball of the innings and end the tour on a high by bagging the Player of the Match award.

Electing to field first, New Zealand struck early, with Fran removing opener Aaliyah Alleyne for six in the fifth over of the innings. From there on, the hosts were unable to get going as barring Hayley, who got her sixth T20I fifty, none of the batters touched the double-digit mark.

It meant that Hayley had to do the bulk of scoring,...

Auckland, Oct 7 (Ians) The controversy surrounding India spinner Deepti Sharma dismissing England batter Charlie Dean at the non-striker’s end in a Wodi recently doesn’t seem to die down, with young New Zealand cricketer Amelia Kerr saying that while it was well within rules, she wouldn’t do it herself.

With England requiring 17 runs to win the match, Dean, who fought hard with an 80-ball 47, backed up too far at the non-striker’s end and Deepti removed the bails to leave the batter in tears and those watching in shock.

Deepti’s ‘mankading’ of Dean has since become a hot talking point with the likes of England allrounder Moeen Ali, England women’s team skipper Heather Knight and several others having an opinion on the dismissal.

On Friday, Kerr was quoted as saying by Icc that, “it’s in the laws of the game… a genuine dismissal and then...

Auckland, Oct 7 (Ians) The controversy surrounding India spinner Deepti Sharma dismissing England batter Charlie Dean at the non-striker’s end in a Wodi recently doesn’t seem to die down, with young New Zealand cricketer Amelia Kerr saying that while it was well within rules, she wouldn’t do it herself.

With England requiring 17 runs to win the match, Dean, who fought hard with an 80-ball 47, backed up too far at the non-striker’s end and Deepti removed the bails to leave the batter in tears and those watching in shock.

Deepti’s ‘mankading’ of Dean has since become a hot talking point with the likes of England allrounder Moeen Ali, England women’s team skipper Heather Knight and several others having an opinion on the dismissal.

On Friday, Kerr was quoted as saying by Icc that, “it’s in the laws of the game… a genuine dismissal and then...

St Johns (Antigua), Oct 2 (Ians) New Zealand Women, aided by a half-century from Suzie Bates, pulled off a thriller to win the second T20I against the West Indies Women by six wickets with one ball remaining and level the series, at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium on Sunday (Ist).

Batting first, the West Indies had a difficult time getting the scoreboard moving as New Zealand bowlers were much more consistent in their line and length. The hosts finally managed a below-par 107/5 in 20 overs.

Skipper Hayley Matthews struck one boundary on her way to 8 off 13 balls before she had a big nick behind to keeper Izzy Gaze of Hayley Jensen. Aaliyah Alleyne, who punished the White Ferns bowlers in the first match, struggled to get going in this match. Eden Carson who replaced Lea Tahuhu in the White Ferns’ team, had Alleyne caught for 13 which came off 19 balls.

Kyshona Knight...

Dubai, Sep 27 (Ians) The legendary Jhulan Goswami, who recently retired from international cricket, finished her 50-over career as the fifth-ranked bowler in the world while India captain Harmanpreet Kaur reached the fifth position in the latest Icc Women’s Odi Player Rankings, released on Tuesday.

Playing her last series, the 39-year-old Goswami picked three in three games including two in the last one and played her part in India’s 3-0 series sweep over England by being the most economical bowler across the two sides, with an economy rate of 3.00 over 27 overs.

On the other hand, Harmanpreet, who smashed a match-winning 143 not out off 111 deliveries in the second match in Canterbury, has gained four slots to reach the fifth position while opener Smriti Mandhana and Deepti Sharma have also moved up in the latest ranking that considers performances in the last two matches of that series as well as the...

Christchurch, Sep 1 (Ians) Pace bowling duo Jess Kerr and Molly Penfold, along with batter Lauren Down, on Thursday have made a return to New Zealand women’s team for the upcoming tour of West Indies.

The trio are the only changes to the 15-player squad which claimed bronze at the recent Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, with pacers Claudia Green and Rosemary Mair along with wicket-keeper Jess McFadyen out of the squad.

“It’s an exciting time for the whole squad and particularly the three players making their returns. We’ve seen the success Jess has enjoyed on the international stage in her career to date and it’s been encouraging to see her working her way back from injury, and training with the London Spirt over here in the Hundred in recent weeks,” said New Zealand head coach Ben Sawyer.

Jess was a late withdrawal ahead of the Birmingham Commonwealth...

Dubai, Aug 26 (Ians) India women’s team vice-captain Smriti Mandhana has joined young opener Shafali Verma in the International Cricket Council’s “100 per cent Cricket Superstars” list released on Friday.

Shafali Verma, England’s Sophie Ecclestone, New Zealand’s Amelia Kerr, West Indies’ Hayley Matthews and South Africa’s Laura Wolvaardt were the first crop of what will ultimately be a “100 per cent Cricket Superstars” squad that fans can pick from to decide on a final XI.

On Friday, the Icc added five more players who are part of the initiative — Mandhana, Fatima Sana (Pakistan), Ashleigh Gardner (Australia), Sophia Dunkley (England), and Gaby Lewis (Ireland).

Mandhana, 26, is close to completing a decade in international cricket. She has established herself as one of the most complete all-format players around the globe. Her record speaks for itself, combining aggression at the top of the order along with a heavy penchant for scoring some big runs.

Brisbane, July 28 (Ians) India all-rounder Pooja Vastrakar on Thursday signed up with Brisbane Heat for the upcoming season of the Women’s Big Bash League (Wbbl). Pooja, 22, joins New Zealand leg-spin all-rounder Amelia Kerr as the Heat’s international recruits till date ahead of the eighth season of the Wbbl. Pooja caught the eye of […]...

London, July 18 (Ians) New Zealand’s preparations for the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham have suffered a big setback with the news of star all-rounder Amelia Kerr testing positive for Covid-19. The 21-year-old tested positive in England on Saturday and will spend the next week in hotel isolation away from the rest of her team-mates. The […]...

Dubai, March 14 (Ians) New Zealand all-rounder Amelia Kerr on Monday was adjudged as Icc women’s player of the month for February 2022, said cricket’s global governing body. Kerr was chosen ahead of fellow nominees, India captain Mithali Raj and all-rounder Deepti Sharma for the award. Kerr, born and based in capital city Wellington is […]...

Hamilton, March 10 (Ians) Lea Tahuhu and Amelia Kerr took three wickets each as New Zealand crushed India by 62 runs at Seddon Park in the eighth match of Icc Womens Cricket World Cup, here on Thursday. India, who had opted to bat second in the hope of dew aiding them, were all out for […]...

Hamilton, March 10 (Ians) On the back of fifties from Amy Satterthwaite and Amelia Kerr apart from the latter and Lea Tahuhu sharing six wickets between themselves, an all-round New Zealand crushed India by 62 runs at Seddon Park in the eighth match of Icc Women’s Cricket World Cup, here on Thursday. India, who had […]...

Hamilton, March 10 (Ians) New Zealand all-rounder Amelia Kerr said she is hopeful of her team being able to defend the score of 260/9 against India in the eighth match of the Icc Women’s Cricket World Cup at Seddon Park on Thursday. In her knock of 50 off 64 balls, Amelia took her time and […]...

Queenstown, Feb 23 (Ians) Former New Zealand cricketer-turned-commentator Grant Elliott has lauded leg-spin all-rounder Amelia Kerr, terming her as ‘probably the best player we’ve ever had’ in the women’s game. In the ongoing One-day series against India, Amelia has taken seven wickets and scored 287 runs, including unbeaten knocks of 119 and 68, which augurs […]...

Queenstown (New Zealand), Feb 22 (Ians) New Zealand Women moved one step closer to making a clean sweep of the five-match One-day International series against the Mithali Raj-led India, defeating the tourists by 63 runs in the fourth game at the John Davies Oval here on Tuesday. Amelia Kerr’s unbeaten 68, combined with useful knocks […]...