Cricket

Sydney Sixers continued their dominance over Hobart Hurricanes in the Women's Big Bash League (WBBL), securing a six-run victory in Hobart on Saturday. Sixers captain Ellyse Perry starred with a magnificent 86 off 62 deliveries, leading her team to a competitive total of 155 for 7.Perry's innings was a masterclass in power-hitting, featuring 11 fours and two sixes. She received support from Danni Wyatt-Hodge, Elyse Villani, Chloe Tryon, and Lauren Smith, who all contributed valuable cameos.Hobart Hurricanes' chase began promisingly with Lizelle Lee hitting a boundary off the first ball. However, her dismissal the following delivery set the tone for a challenging innings. Despite a solid start, the Hurricanes lost wickets at crucial intervals, including those of Australian representatives Nicola Carey and Heather Graham.Villani's four boundaries in the power surge overs kept the Hurricanes in contention, but her dismissal and the subsequent loss of Tryon and Molly Strano to the impressive Caoimhe Bray proved decisive.Bray, a talented 15-year-old schoolgirl, played a pivotal role for the Sixers, capturing the key wickets of Carey and Tryon. English spinner Sophie Ecclestone was another standout performer, showcasing her exceptional skills in defending the total.Perry's match-winning knock extended her impressive form in the WBBL, with the all-rounder now boasting an aggregate of 252 runs from four innings. The victory marked the Sixers' 19th win in 21 encounters against the Hurricanes, who have now lost seven straight matches to the Sydney team.

South Africa and India are set to clash in a four-match T20I series starting on Friday in Durban, marking their first encounter since India's triumph in the T20 World Cup final four months ago.Both teams have undergone significant changes since that memorable match in Barbados. South Africa will be without key players like Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, Tabraiz Shamsi, and Quinton de Kock. India, too, has made alterations, with only four players from their World Cup-winning squad featuring in this series.South African coach Rob Walter acknowledges the challenges of balancing overlapping cricket schedules. He emphasizes the need to manage players carefully to ensure they perform at their best when representing their country.Despite the absences, South Africa has assembled a strong squad that includes franchise stars David Miller, Heinrich Klaasen, Marco Jansen, and Keshav Maharaj. India, on the other hand, will field a mix of experienced players and promising youngsters, including Ramandeep Singh, Vijaykumar Vyshak, and Yash Dayal.The series holds financial significance for Cricket South Africa, with substantial revenue expected from Indian television broadcasts. It also provides an opportunity for India's emerging talents to showcase their skills ahead of the upcoming IPL auction.The schedule for the series is as follows:* November 8: Durban* November 10: Gqeberha* November 13: Centurion* November 15: Johannesburg

Yuvraj Singh's Iconic Shots Recreated by Impersonator, Inspiring Young Indian BatterFormer Indian cricketer Yuvraj Singh has shared a viral video showcasing an impressive impersonation of his signature batting style. The fan flawlessly recreated Yuvraj's iconic pull shots and powerful sixes, earning widespread admiration online.Yuvraj, renowned for his elegant and powerful batting, was particularly known for his memorable six sixes in an over against England's Stuart Broad during the 2007 T20 World Cup. The fan's impersonation captured the essence of Yuvraj's legendary moment, sparking nostalgia and reminding cricket lovers of his remarkable achievements.The video has resonated with fans, celebrating the enduring impact of Yuvraj's legacy. His fans appreciated the gesture, highlighting the inspiration he continues to provide to aspiring cricketers.Meanwhile, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) shared a video featuring young Indian batter Abhishek Sharma, who reflected on his arrival at Kingsmead, Durban. This venue holds special significance as it's where the first T20I against South Africa will be played and also where Yuvraj Singh's six sixes took place.Abhishek expressed his excitement about playing at the historic ground where one of Indian cricket's most iconic moments took place. He highlighted the deep influence Yuvraj's achievement has had on his own cricketing journey."I have come here for the first time, but when I saw it (the ground) on TV and now that I am here, it's like a dream come true. I was inspired by Yuvraj Singh's six sixes in 2007. The first day when I came here I was trying to figure out from what end to which end he had hit the sixes. He had sixes all over the ground, it's a great memory," said Abhishek.Yuvraj Singh's iconic batting style and memorable achievements continue to inspire young cricketers, showcasing the enduring legacy of one of India's most celebrated cricketers.

Indian wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant and New Zealand's veteran Daryl Mitchell have ascended to the top 10 of the ICC Test rankings following their impressive performances in the third Test in Mumbai. Pant's half-centuries in both innings have propelled him five spots to sixth position, inching closer to his career-best ranking of fifth. Mitchell's first-inning score of 82 has earned him an eight-place jump to seventh overall, joining his compatriot Kane Williamson in the top 10.England's Joe Root remains firmly at the summit of the Test batter rankings, followed by Williamson, Harry Brook, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Steve Smith. India's Shubman Gill has also made significant progress, moving up four places to 16th after his 90-run knock in the first innings against New Zealand. Player of the Series Will Young has surged 29 places to 44th overall, reflecting his crucial contributions to New Zealand's success.In the bowling department, India's Ravindra Jadeja has climbed two spots to sixth position after his 10-wicket haul against New Zealand. Washington Sundar has also made gains, advancing seven places to 46th among Test bowlers. New Zealand's spin attack has also been rewarded, with Ajaz Patel rising 12 places to 22nd and Ish Sodhi improving by three rungs to equal 70th.South Africa's Keshav Maharaj has risen four places to 19th, bolstered by his 13-wicket haul against Bangladesh in South Africa's recent series victory.The latest ODI rankings also feature notable movement. West Indies captain Shai Hope has moved up five places to 12th among ODI batters, following his 17th ODI century in the second match against England. England's Liam Livingstone has seen a significant rise, moving up 32 spots to 58th after his century in the same clash.Pace bowlers Shaheen Afridi and Mitchell Starc have made strides on the ODI Bowler Rankings. Afridi has moved up three spots to claim fourth, while Starc has climbed four places to 14th following their opening performances in Australia's ODI series against Pakistan. Scotland's Brandon McMullen has also seen an improvement in the ODI all-rounder category, advancing three spots to reach sixth.

Virat Kohli Celebrates 36th Birthday with Well Wishes from Paul PogbaIndian cricket legend Virat Kohli turned 36 on Tuesday, November 5, and received an outpouring of birthday wishes from fans and fellow athletes worldwide. Among those who extended their greetings was French footballer Paul Pogba.In a surprise appearance on a livestream with popular American YouTuber 'IShowSpeed,' Pogba wished Kohli a happy birthday. Despite being out of football action for over a year due to a doping ban, Pogba showed his recognition of Kohli's stature in the world of cricket.Upon being shown a picture of Kohli and informed that he is a cricketer, Pogba exclaimed, "Happy Birthday bro (brother), long life!" Speed, whose real name is Darren Jason Watkins Jr., also praised Kohli as a "legend" and one of the best cricketers in the world.Pogba's birthday wish to Kohli was a highlight of his unexpected appearance on Speed's channel. The duo also engaged in football and video game challenges during their collaboration.Kohli's birthday celebration comes amidst intense scrutiny of his form following India's 0-3 home Test series whitewash against New Zealand. The batter managed only 93 runs in three Tests in the recently-concluded series.Despite the recent setbacks, Kohli remains a revered figure in the cricketing world. He is set to play in the upcoming five-Test Border-Gavaskar Trophy series against Australia in Australia, which begins on November 22.

Ricky Ponting, the former Australian captain, remains steadfast in his belief that Australia will emerge victorious in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) against India. In an interview with the International Cricket Council (ICC), Ponting reiterated his earlier prediction of a 3-1 series win for Australia, citing the absence of veteran Indian pacer Mohammad Shami as a significant factor.Shami's side strain injury has cast doubt on his availability for the series, and Ponting believes that his absence will make it challenging for India to take 20 wickets in a Test match in Australia. "Shami just leaves such a big hole in that bowling group," Ponting told the ICC website. "Taking 20 wickets in a Test match for India is going to be the biggest challenge."Compounding India's concerns is their recent 0-3 whitewash at home by New Zealand. However, Ponting acknowledges that the visitors have the potential to win one of the five Tests. "I think India will win a Test match somewhere through the five Test matches," he predicted.Despite India's struggles, Ponting believes that Australia is the more settled and experienced team, making them difficult to beat at home. "Australia probably look a bit more settled, a bit more experienced and we know that they're a very hard team to beat at home," he said.Ponting also identified Steve Smith and Rishabh Pant as potential leading run-scorers in the series. "Leading run scorer, I'm going to go (with) Steve Smith or Rishabh Pant," he said.Pant has been in impressive form, scoring 261 runs in six innings against New Zealand, while Smith has moved back down to his preferred position at No. 4 in the batting order. "I think Smith, the fact that he's moved back down from opener to No. 4 probably makes it feel like he's got more of a point to prove," Ponting said.The first Test of the BGT series begins in Perth on November 22, and Ponting's predictions will be put to the test as Australia and India battle for supremacy in one of the most intense rivalries in cricket.

Legendary Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar believes that the upcoming Test series against Australia could be a watershed moment for senior players like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Ravichandran Ashwin. Following India's humiliating 0-3 Test series defeat against New Zealand at home, questions have been raised about the future of these star players.In an interview with India Today, Gavaskar emphasized that there are numerous talented young players eager for opportunities, and the Australia series could be the last chance for some senior players to prove their worth. "I think it could be a tour which could decide a lot of futures," Gavaskar said. "They are at an age and stage in their careers where there will be a second ring of players looking to get an opportunity."According to a report by PTI, the BCCI is evaluating the shocking defeat against New Zealand and considering a structured phaseout policy for senior players before the start of the next World Test Championship (WTC) cycle. The five-match Test series against Australia could be the final one for at least two of the four senior players: Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Ravindra Jadeja, and Ravichandran Ashwin.An informal discussion is expected between BCCI officials, the chairman of selectors, the head coach, and the captain to determine the future of the aging team. "Stocks will be taken certainly," a senior BCCI source told PTI. "But with the Australia series round the corner and the squad already announced, there won't be any tinkering."However, if India fails to qualify for the WTC final in England, it is likely that all four senior players will not be part of the team for the subsequent five-Test series in the UK. "In any case, all four have likely played their final Test at home together," the source added.The upcoming Test series against Australia will be a crucial test for the Indian team and its senior players. The results could have a significant impact on the future of Indian cricket and the transition to a new generation of players.

Defending Indian Premier League (IPL) champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have retained six players ahead of the 2025 auction, including Rinku Singh, Sunil Narine, Andre Russell, Varun Chakravarthy, Harshit Rana, and Ramandeep Singh. Notably, KKR released their star fast bowler Mitchell Starc, who became the costliest buy in IPL history in 2024.Starc expressed surprise at not being retained, stating that he had not received any communication from the franchise. He acknowledged that franchise cricket is unpredictable and that all players, except for the Hyderabad duo of Pat Cummins and Travis Head, will be available in the auction.Meanwhile, Starc has achieved a significant milestone in his international career, becoming the fastest bowler to reach 100 ODI wickets in Australia. He surpassed legendary compatriot Brett Lee's record by achieving the feat in just 54 innings. Starc's impressive performance in the first ODI against Pakistan, where he took three wickets for 33 runs, contributed to his achievement.In the match, Pakistan struggled to build partnerships, with only skipper Mohammed Rizwan and Babar Azam managing significant scores. Naseem Shah and Shaheen Afridi provided some resistance, but Australia's bowlers, led by Starc, restricted Pakistan to 203/10.In response, Australia lost early wickets but recovered through an 85-run partnership between Steve Smith and Josh Inglis. Pakistan's bowlers fought back, but Cummins' unbeaten 32 guided Australia to victory with over 16 overs to spare. Starc was named 'Player of the Match' for his bowling performance, and Australia took a 1-0 lead in the series.

India's recent Test series loss to New Zealand has exposed a harsh reality: the team's aging stalwarts, Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and R. Ashwin, are on the decline. While they remain exceptional performers, their current form suggests they may no longer be indispensable in the national team.The selectors, reluctant to acknowledge the inevitable, have been slow to make the necessary changes. As a result, India's batting has suffered, with the team collapsing repeatedly in the series. The lack of red-ball practice due to the absence of the Ranji Trophy has further exacerbated the situation.Rohit Sharma, the captain, has admitted his struggles and is considering stepping down from the role. Jasprit Bumrah, the team's premier fast bowler, has been rested for the upcoming Test in Australia, raising concerns about India's bowling depth.The series loss has also highlighted the arrogance and complacency that has plagued the Indian team. Despite losing two Tests, they continued to display a sense of entitlement, resting their best bowler and preparing inadequately for the series.New Zealand, on the other hand, approached the series with a different mindset. They were better prepared, more humble, and played with a collective spirit. Their victory is a testament to the importance of teamwork and a strong work ethic.India's hopes of qualifying for the World Test Championship final now rest on a series win against Australia. However, the odds are stacked against them. The team will need to perform at their best and hope for favorable results from other matches.The series loss to New Zealand has been a wake-up call for Indian cricket. It has exposed the need for introspection, a change in mindset, and a willingness to embrace the inevitable decline of its aging stars. Only then can India regain its former glory and become a force to be reckoned with in world cricket.