Cricket

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) women's team is gearing up for the upcoming Women's Premier League (WPL) season three auction by planning a series of camps for its players. The team has retained 14 players, including six overseas stars, ahead of the auction, which is expected to take place in December.RCB assistant head coach Malolan Rangarajan revealed the team's plans in a statement. "We will have a couple of camps for our players and players of interest," Rangarajan said. "This will help us create a shortlist of players for the auction and identify our targets and backups."The retention list includes captain Smriti Mandhana, star batter Ellyse Perry, and wicket-keeper Richa Ghosh, who were key contributors to RCB's championship victory in the inaugural WPL season. Rangarajan emphasized the importance of retaining the team's core values and the players who have proven their worth on and off the field."We have thought really hard about how we wanted to recruit in the last auction and we brought in a couple of players with experience," Rangarajan added. "That has held together and given us a good core to go forward with."RCB emerged as the champions of the WPL 2024, defeating Delhi Capitals by eight wickets in the final. The team's retained players include:* Asha Shobana* Dani Wyatt* Ekta Bisht* Ellyse Perry* Georgia Wareham* Kanika Ahuja* Kate Cross* Renuka Singh* Richa Ghosh* S. Meghana* Shreyanka Patil* Smriti Mandhana* Sophie Devine* Sophie MolineuxRCB has released five players: Disha Kasat, Indrani Roy, Shraddha Pokarkar, Shubha Satheesh, and Simran Bahadur. The team is confident that the upcoming camps and the auction will help them build a strong squad for the upcoming WPL season.

Smriti Mandhana, the prodigious Indian batter, has etched her name in the annals of women's cricket by surpassing Mithali Raj's record for the most ODI centuries scored by an Indian woman. With her latest century against New Zealand, Mandhana now boasts an impressive tally of eight ODI hundreds, eclipsing Raj's previous record of seven.Mandhana's remarkable achievement is a testament to her exceptional talent and unwavering determination. At just 27 years of age, she is already one of India's most prolific batters and is well on her way to challenging Meg Lanning's record of 15 ODI centuries. Having reached her current tally in just 88 matches, Mandhana has ample time to pursue this feat, especially considering her prime form.Throughout her ODI career, Mandhana has amassed a staggering 3,690 runs with an impressive average of 45.00 and a strike rate of 84.92. In addition to her eight centuries, she has also notched up 27 half-centuries, further solidifying her status as a consistent run-scorer.Mandhana's aggressive style of play and unwavering consistency have been instrumental in her success. Her ability to consistently score big runs is evident in her impressive average and strike rate, which rank her among the best in the game.Reflecting on her record-breaking performance, Mandhana acknowledged the challenges she faced during the recent T20 World Cup in UAE. However, she expressed her determination to move forward and regain the team's confidence."It's not been easy, the last one and a half months for the team," Mandhana said. "We had a lot of expectations from all of us individually and as a team in the World Cup. The series came too soon for everyone. Half of everyone's mind was still on the World Cup. This series win (against NZ) is definitely going to boost confidence, especially this being such a young team, they take things to heart. I'm really happy that we could win the series today and start the journey again."Mandhana's record-breaking achievement is a source of immense pride for Indian cricket and serves as an inspiration to aspiring young batters. Her journey towards challenging Meg Lanning's record is sure to be an exciting one, and her fans will be eagerly following her progress.

Smriti Mandhana, the star batter of Indian women's cricket, has etched her name in the annals of history by surpassing the legendary Mithali Raj to become the Indian player with the most ODI centuries. Mandhana's elegant stroke play and aggressive approach have been instrumental in her remarkable achievement.During the third ODI against New Zealand women at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, Mandhana notched up her eighth century, surpassing Raj's record of seven. Her innings of 100 off 122 balls was a testament to her exceptional batting prowess and provided India with a strong start.Mandhana's ability to build big scores has set her apart as one of the finest batters in the game. Her powerful stroke play and elegance at the crease have often provided India with vital innings at crucial moments. In the final match of the three-match ODI series, India secured a six-wicket victory over New Zealand, winning the series 2-1.Behind Mandhana is Mithali Raj, a legendary figure in Indian cricket. With seven centuries to her name, Raj's approach was marked by precision, patience, and technical prowess. Her career spanned over two decades, during which she not only held together India's middle order but also inspired countless young cricketers. Her impact on Indian women's cricket is undeniable, and her seven centuries stand as a testament to her enduring skill and resilience.Current ODI skipper Harmanpreet Kaur is another notable name in the list of Indian batters with multiple ODI centuries. Known for her aggressive batting and match-winning knocks, Kaur has six ODI centuries to her name. She has often taken on the role of a game-changer, particularly in high-stakes situations. Her ability to counterattack and play under pressure has made her one of the most exciting players in the lineup.Punam Raut, with three centuries, has also made a significant contribution to India's journey in women's cricket. Her steady approach and ability to accumulate runs have earned her a place among the top batters in the country.These players have each contributed uniquely to India's success in women's cricket, creating a formidable legacy for future generations. Mandhana's record-breaking achievement is a testament to her exceptional talent and the bright future of Indian women's cricket.

India's women's cricket team clinched the three-match ODI series against New Zealand with a resounding six-wicket victory in the decisive match on Tuesday. The triumph was orchestrated by a masterful century from star batter Smriti Mandhana, who anchored India's chase of 233 with an unbeaten 100 runs off 122 balls.Mandhana's innings was a return to form for the talented batter, who had struggled to make an impact in the previous two ODIs and the preceding T20 World Cup. Her patient yet dominant knock, studded with 10 boundaries, laid the foundation for India's successful run chase.After a shaky start that saw India lose Shafali Verma early, Mandhana found a willing partner in Yastika Bhatia. The duo stitched together a crucial 76-run partnership for the second wicket, steadying the Indian innings. Bhatia played the perfect foil to Mandhana, scoring a brisk 35 runs before falling to a return catch.Mandhana's partnership with captain Harmanpreet Kaur proved decisive, effectively sealing the match for India. Their 118-run stand for the third wicket deflated the New Zealand bowling attack, with Kaur playing a supporting role with an unbeaten 59.By the time Mandhana departed in the 41st over, India were within touching distance of victory. Earlier in the day, New Zealand recovered from a precarious 88/5 to post a respectable total of 232/5, thanks to a fighting knock of 86 runs from Brooke Halliday. The Indian bowlers, led by Deepti Sharma and Priya Mishra, had initially dominated the proceedings, reducing New Zealand to a moderate total. Despite the late fightback from New Zealand, Mandhana's century proved to be the difference between the two sides.India's victory in the series is a testament to the team's resilience and determination. Despite facing a strong New Zealand side, the Indian women showed their mettle and emerged victorious. Mandhana's century was the highlight of the match, but the contributions of other players, such as Bhatia and Kaur, were equally crucial.

India's women's cricket team, led by Smriti Mandhana in the absence of injured captain Harmanpreet Kaur, chose to bat first in the opening ODI against New Zealand at the Motera Stadium in Ahmedabad. This is the first women's ODI to be played at this venue since April 2013.India handed ODI debuts to Tejal Hasabnis and Saima Thakor, while Arundhati Reddy and Renuka Singh provided the pace options. Deepti Sharma and Radha Yadav were the spin options, with D Hemalatha batting at No. 4 in place of Harmanpreet. Yastika Bhatia took over the wicketkeeping duties and batted at one-down.New Zealand, who are looking to earn crucial ICC Women's Championship points in this series, fielded a similar lineup to the one that won them the T20 World Cup earlier this year. Lauren Down, returning from maternity leave, slotted into the lower middle order, while tall fast bowler Molly Penfold made her debut. Experienced fast bowler Lea Tahuhu was rested.

India's women's cricket team, led by Harmanpreet Kaur, embarks on a crucial three-match ODI series against New Zealand starting Thursday. The series serves as a vital preparation for next year's World Cup, following India's disappointing performance at the recent T20 World Cup.Kaur, who has faced criticism for her captaincy, will be under immense pressure to prove her worth. She will be without the services of wicketkeeper-batter Richa Ghosh, who is appearing for her board exams. Experienced all-rounder Asha Sobhana and seamer Pooja Vastrakar are also unavailable due to injury and rest, respectively.The series presents an opportunity for uncapped players Tejal Hasabnis, Saima Thakor, and Priya Mishra to make their mark. The opening duo of Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana will be expected to provide a solid start, while Jemimah Rodrigues and Kaur will be tasked with anchoring the middle order.New Zealand, on the other hand, will be brimming with confidence after their triumph at the T20 World Cup. Led by Sophie Devine, they will be looking to continue their winning ways.The series will be a test of character for India, who will be eager to put their T20 World Cup disappointment behind them. Kaur will need to find the right balance between experience and youth, while New Zealand will be aiming to maintain their momentum.All three matches will be played at the Narendra Modi Stadium, with the first match starting at 1.30 pm IST.

India's women's cricket team put on a dominant performance against Sri Lanka in the Women's T20 World Cup, securing a resounding 82-run victory. The triumph not only boosted India's net run rate but also showcased the team's resurgence under the leadership of Smriti Mandhana and Harmanpreet Kaur.The Indian innings got off to a solid start with Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana forming a formidable opening partnership. Verma's aggressive strokeplay and Mandhana's calculated approach set the tone for the innings, amassing 98 runs before both were dismissed in quick succession.Harmanpreet Kaur, known for her explosive batting, stepped up to the plate in the death overs, smashing 52 runs off just 27 deliveries. Her whirlwind knock included eight boundaries, propelling India to a formidable total of 172 for three wickets.Sri Lanka's chase never gained momentum as they lost wickets at regular intervals. Pacer Renuka Singh Thakur struck on the very first ball of the innings, setting the tone for India's bowling dominance. Sri Lanka's top order crumbled under the pressure, with only Kavisha Dilhari offering some resistance with a score of 21.Leg-spinner Asha Sobhana emerged as the wrecker-in-chief for India, claiming three wickets and restricting Sri Lanka's scoring. The Sri Lankan batters struggled to cope with the variety and accuracy of India's bowling attack, eventually being bowled out for a mere 90 runs in 19.5 overs.India's victory was a testament to their improved form and determination. The team had suffered a setback in their previous match against New Zealand, but they responded with a resounding performance against Sri Lanka. The win not only boosted their net run rate but also kept their hopes of reaching the semifinals alive.

India's T20 World Cup campaign has hit a roadblock after a disappointing start. Despite being pre-tournament favorites, Harmanpreet Kaur's team has underperformed, losing to New Zealand and narrowly defeating Pakistan.The team's biggest concern lies in their batting unit. Explosive openers Shafali Varma and Smriti Mandhana have failed to make an impact, struggling against spin and posting dismal Powerplay scores. The onus falls on Mandhana to lead the charge against Sri Lanka's spin-heavy attack, despite her underwhelming record against them.The bowlers have also been inconsistent. India's dominant record against Sri Lanka (19/5) offers little solace, as the Indian team has not played since the Asia Cup final in July, where they suffered a defeat.Sri Lanka, on the other hand, will be eager to secure their first points after losses to Pakistan and Australia. Led by Chamari Athapaththu, they will look to exploit India's vulnerabilities and make a strong comeback.With a crucial match against Australia looming, India cannot afford another slip-up. They must improve their net run rate (-1.217) and find a way to ignite their batting unit. The team's fate hangs in the balance as they face Sri Lanka in a must-win encounter.

India's No. 3 batting position in the ongoing Women's T20 World Cup has become a topic of discussion, with vice-captain Smriti Mandhana stating that the choice will be based on match conditions and situations.Initially, head coach Amol Muzumdar had indicated that captain Harmanpreet Kaur would occupy the crucial spot. However, after Kaur's injury scare, Jemimah Rodrigues and Yastika Bhatia have also been considered for the role.Mandhana emphasized that the conditions in the UAE have been challenging, but the difference between day and night games has not been significant. She noted that teams have struggled to score over 140 runs in the tournament, regardless of the time of day.Regarding India's cautious approach against Pakistan, Mandhana stressed the importance of securing points on the board. She acknowledged the need to balance the desire to improve net run rate with the priority of winning matches.Mandhana also addressed the perception that Asian teams would be more comfortable with the conditions in Dubai and Sharjah. She believes that all teams have faced challenges in adjusting to the pitches and that India's performance in the first match against New Zealand was an isolated incident.She emphasized that India's batting unit needs to be smarter and understand their limitations in these conditions. She expressed confidence that the team can improve their performance and play to their full potential in the remaining matches.