Cricket

Jemimah Rodrigues, the Indian batter, is eager to incorporate the "Australian mindset" she has acquired from her WBBL teammates into her game. Rodrigues, who is back in the tournament for her third stint, has played four games for Brisbane Heat so far. She scored a match-winning 61 off 40 balls against Adelaide Strikers, crediting the turnaround to her Heat teammates' encouragement to play "positively."Rodrigues believes that the positive mindset instilled in her by her Australian teammates has been instrumental in her recent success. She credits Grace Harris and Laura Harris for their support and encouragement, which helped her overcome doubts and play with confidence."I think the last two innings of mine [in the WBBL] didn't go that well," Rodrigues said. "Grace Harris and Laura Harris both of them texted me and said, 'Jemi, your over extra cover drive is the best. Don't stop yourself from playing that. Even if you get out, it's fine. But just keep dominating'. So I think that really helped me in [the Strikers] knock just to have that kind of backing firstly from your team that the team still believes in you and at the same time, just they're like, 'No, we're still going to take the positive route. We're still going to play positive cricket and bat with intent'."Rodrigues believes that facing international bowlers in leagues around the world is beneficial for her confidence, especially with the ODI World Cup scheduled in less than a year. She emphasizes the importance of playing in different conditions and against top bowlers to prepare for the World Cup."Playing these foreign leagues and playing the WPL, it does help because you play against the best in the world in all these leagues and at the same time you get to play in different conditions," she said. "Every ground is so different to the other and I think that is one of the best parts of playing franchise cricket that you get used to the conditions and you get to play the top bowlers in women 's cricket."Rodrigues believes that playing in the WBBL will be good preparation for the ODIs against Australia in December, despite the format being different. She emphasizes the importance of assessing conditions and adapting her mindset to the longer format."For me, nothing much changes in my technique," Rodrigues said. "Nothing much will even change in my mindset. I think I will still back myself to play positive cricket, but at the same time being more sensible because it's a longer format and trying to extend this innings even longer, scoring more and more runs for India. So I think that's the similar mindset. Again, it's about how I assess the conditions and assess the situation."Rodrigues also welcomed the ICC's initiative to eliminate social media abuse in the women's game. She believes that the move will allow players to focus on playing cricket without dealing with harsh comments."I think that was a very good initiative by the ICC. I remember when I had gone in that line because sometimes social media can be harsh. At the end we all are humans, we all are we here doing our best, trying to do whatever we can. Some ways we are great. Some ways we are not. So it's just harsh when we see people just commenting all sorts of things on social media. But it was such a nice thing from ICC just to protect us and just to keep the game so pure. We [needed to] just go out there and play cricket and enjoy cricket than dealing with all these things. So it was, it was really nice from ICC."

Cricket has taken a significant step in combating online harassment by conducting a comprehensive social media moderation trial during the Women's T20 World Cup. The trial, powered by GoBubble's AI tool, analyzed over 1.4 million comments across 60 player and eight team accounts, revealing that nearly 20% were harmful or generated by bots.The initiative was driven by the ICC's commitment to creating a safer environment for players, particularly in light of the growing attention on women's cricket. Earlier research by ESPNcricinfo highlighted the prevalence of abuse directed at female players, making the focus on women's accounts crucial.The GoBubble tool employs two strategies: identifying abusive language in multiple languages and personalizing filters for specific players or teams. It also detects bots promoting unrelated content.Sinalo Jafta, the South African wicketkeeper-batter, has been a vocal advocate for the initiative. Prior to the service, she relied on others to remove abusive comments from her social media accounts. She believes the AI tool will empower players to share content more freely.The ICC aims to inspire more women and girls to play cricket. Finn Bradshaw, the ICC's Head of Digital, emphasized that online abuse can deter young players from pursuing the sport. The moderation service aims to alleviate this concern.Currently, the service is available to women's players until 2025, with plans to extend it to male players based on demand. The ICC will evaluate the trial's effectiveness and produce a report.

The historic triumph of the New Zealand women's cricket team in the T20 World Cup has sparked an unprecedented celebration across the nation. To commemorate this momentous achievement, the coveted trophy will embark on a nine-day tour of New Zealand, allowing fans to share in the joy and inspiration.The trophy tour, commencing on Saturday, will provide an opportunity for the victorious team and support staff to connect with their adoring fans. Free-entry public events will be held in ten cities, including Dunedin, Christchurch, Wellington, and Auckland. The team members will engage with fans, sign autographs, and share their experiences from the unforgettable tournament."The World Cup win is a watershed moment for women's cricket in New Zealand," said Stacey Geraghty, NZC's marketing communications general manager. "We're determined to make the most of it and celebrate with the team and the public."The tour is expected to generate immense excitement, mirroring the outpouring of support witnessed during the BLACKCAPS' ICC World Test Championship Mace tour in 2021. The trophy will also be on display at all New Zealand women's matches during the home summer, further fueling the passion for the sport.New Zealand's maiden T20 World Cup victory was a testament to their exceptional talent and unwavering determination. In the semi-final, they overcame a formidable West Indies team, setting the stage for a thrilling final against South Africa. Powered by an all-round performance from Amelia Kerr, the White Ferns emerged victorious, etching their names in the annals of cricket history.The trophy tour will not only celebrate the team's triumph but also inspire future generations of cricketers. By bringing the trophy to communities across New Zealand, NZC aims to foster a love for the sport and encourage young girls to pursue their dreams on the cricket field.

Ni Made Putri Suwandewi, a promising Indonesian fast bowler, has joined the Perth Scorchers for the upcoming Women's Big Bash League (WBBL) season as an Associate rookie. Her signing marks a significant milestone in the growing partnership between WA Cricket and Persatuan Cricket Indonesia, with a focus on developing women's cricket in the country.Suwandewi, 26, has been a standout performer for Indonesia since her international debut in 2019. With 49 wickets in 40 WT20Is at an exceptional average of 8.18 and an economy rate of 2.97, she has established herself as one of the most economical bowlers in women's T20I cricket.Her impressive bowling repertoire includes a menacing inswinger, a deceptive slower ball, and the ability to execute precise yorkers. Perth Scorchers coach Becky Grundy and high performance boss Kade Harvey were particularly impressed by her skills during their visit to Bali earlier this year."She bowls a natural inswinger, but has excellent variety with a good slower ball and can hit the yorkers," Harvey said. "She's quite short, but a really skilful bowler."Suwandewi's arrival in Perth has been met with enthusiasm, and she has already made a positive impression during training. "She's got the potential to play a role for us in the tournament," Harvey said. "We're going to be missing some international players at different stages. It was a good opportunity to utilise the rules in terms of the Associate rookie. But we wouldn't have done it if we didn't think she was capable of contributing."The signing of Suwandewi underscores the growing partnership between WA Cricket and Persatuan Cricket Indonesia. Grundy and Harvey's visit to Bali in April provided an opportunity to witness the progress of women's cricket in Indonesia and identify areas for collaboration."We were really impressed with the standard of cricket from the girls in Indonesia," Harvey said. "They play on astro turf, so we think a big part of their development is getting on good turf wickets."With over 200,000 women playing cricket across 21 provinces, Indonesia has a vast potential for growth in the sport. The partnership between WA Cricket and Persatuan Cricket Indonesia aims to provide support and guidance to help the Indonesian women's team achieve their goal of becoming a top 10 team in the world.

Hobart Hurricanes have made history by calling up 13-year-old Mia Barwick to their squad for the T20 Spring Challenge. Barwick, a promising pace bowler, replaces Heather Graham, who has joined the Australian team for the T20 World Cup following Tayla Vlaeminck's injury.Barwick has showcased her talent in the Cricket Tasmania Premier League and has represented Australia at the Under-16 and Under-19 Female National Championships. Her inclusion in the Hurricanes squad is a testament to her exceptional skills and the Hurricanes' commitment to developing young talent.The T20 Spring Challenge has provided a platform for young players to gain valuable experience in the absence of leading Australian players competing in the T20 World Cup and overseas WBBL players. Sydney Sixers have also given an opportunity to 15-year-old allrounder Caoimhe Bray, who has impressed with her performances for Australia Under-19s.The Spring Challenge was introduced to compensate for the reduced number of games in the WBBL, which will feature a 40-game regular season. Initially conceived as a state competition, it was later aligned with WBBL clubs due to pressure from New South Wales and Victoria.Barwick's inclusion in the Hurricanes squad is a significant milestone for women's cricket in Australia. It demonstrates the growing opportunities for young female athletes and the importance of providing pathways for their development. The T20 Spring Challenge is playing a crucial role in this regard, offering young players the chance to showcase their skills and gain experience at the highest level.

Tilly Corteen-Coleman, the 17-year-old spinner who impressed in the Women's Hundred, has been named in England's 15-player squad for the upcoming Women's Under-19 World Cup in Malaysia.Corteen-Coleman made a strong debut for Southern Brave in the Hundred, dismissing Australia's Meg Lanning. She also impressed for South East Stars in domestic competitions, claiming 5 for 19 against Northern Diamonds.Davina Perrin, who was part of England's squad that lost to India in the inaugural Under-19 tournament in 2023, is also included. A captain will be named closer to the tournament.Sixteen teams will participate in the 41-match event from January 18 to February 2, 2025. England has been drawn in Group B alongside Ireland, Pakistan, and USA.Chris Guest, Performance Lead for the women's Under-19 set-up, said he is excited to guide another group of young players through their maiden global event. He emphasized the importance of the tournament for player development, citing the examples of Ryana MacDonald-Gay, Hannah Baker, Seren Smale, and Charis Pavely, who have all represented the senior team after playing in the Under-19 World Cup.Guest will be joined by assistant coaches Dan Helesfay and Beth Morgan. Morgan, a former England international, currently works as a Regional Talent Manager for Southern Vipers.Richard Bedbrook, Head of England Women Performance Pathways, said the quality of the squad highlights the work of the regional teams. He expressed hope that the players and staff will benefit from the experience.Five non-travelling reserves have also been selected: Maria Andrews, Sophie Beech, Daisy Gibb, Poppy Tulloch, and Annie Williams.

As the 2024 T20 Women's World Cup approaches, the spotlight shines on six exceptional players who embody the hopes and aspirations of their respective teams. These athletes possess a unique blend of skill, experience, and determination that could propel their nations to glory.Beth Mooney (Australia):The seasoned Australian opener, ranked number one in the ICC T20 batter rankings, is a cornerstone of the six-time champions' batting lineup. Her ability to anchor the innings and provide a solid foundation has been instrumental in Australia's past World Cup triumphs. Mooney's recent form, including a blistering 50 off 30 balls in a warm-up match against England, suggests she is primed to continue her dominance.Sophie Ecclestone (England):The 25-year-old left-arm spinner from Cheshire is the world's top-ranked bowler in both T20 and ODI cricket. Her accuracy, economy, and guile make her a formidable weapon for England captain Heather Knight. Ecclestone's ability to control the flow of runs and create wicket-taking opportunities will be crucial for England's title aspirations.Deepti Sharma (India):Known for her all-round prowess, Deepti Sharma is ranked second among T20 bowlers and third among all-rounders worldwide. Her left-handed batting and right-arm off-spin bowling provide India with a versatile option. Sharma believes that a World Cup victory could transform women's cricket in India, inspiring a new generation of players.Sune Luus (South Africa):The South African captain, who has transitioned from leg-spin to off-spin bowling, is a key batter and bowler for her team. Despite a recent dip in form, Luus has bounced back with impressive performances in a Test match against India and a T20I series against Pakistan. Her confidence and leadership will be vital for South Africa's chances of making a deep run in the tournament.Vishmi Gunaratne (Sri Lanka):At just 19 years old, Vishmi Gunaratne is a rising star in the Sri Lankan team. The young opener has shown glimpses of her potential, including an ODI century against Ireland. With the World Cup approaching, Gunaratne is eager to showcase her full range of abilities and help Sri Lanka make a mark on the global stage.Hayley Matthews (West Indies):The West Indies captain, who burst onto the scene as an 18-year-old in the 2016 T20 World Cup, is a versatile all-rounder. Matthews averages 25 with the bat and has taken 99 wickets with her off-spin. Her experience and leadership will be invaluable for the West Indies as they aim to upset the established powers and make a statement in the tournament.

Saleema Imtiaz, a trailblazing Pakistani woman, has shattered barriers by becoming the first Pakistani woman to be nominated to the ICC international panel of development umpires. This prestigious appointment marks a significant milestone for women's cricket in Pakistan and opens doors for aspiring female umpires.Imtiaz's journey to this historic achievement has been paved with hard work and unwavering determination. She has officiated in 22 T20Is, including the Women's Asia Cup final, showcasing her exceptional skills and dedication. Her nomination now makes her eligible to officiate in women's bilateral international matches and ICC women's events.Imtiaz's appointment is not only a personal triumph but also a testament to the growing influence of women in cricket. It reflects the PCB's commitment to fostering the development of female umpires and creating a more inclusive environment in the sport.Imtiaz's daughter, Kainat Imtiaz, has also made her mark in Pakistani cricket, having played 40 international games. Saleema's journey has been inspired by her daughter's success, and she hopes her own achievements will motivate countless other women to pursue their dreams in cricket."This isn't just a win for me, it's a win for every aspiring female cricketer and umpire in Pakistan," Imtiaz said. "I hope my success motivates countless women who dream of making their mark in the sport."Imtiaz's nomination is a testament to her unwavering passion for cricket and her commitment to excellence. She is a role model for aspiring female umpires and a source of inspiration for women in sports. Her appointment is a significant step towards creating a more diverse and inclusive cricket landscape.

Laura Wolvaardt, the captain of South Africa's women's cricket team, emerged as the star of the CSA Annual Awards, bagging five prestigious accolades, including the coveted Women's Player of the Year award. Her exceptional performance in the 2023-24 season earned her recognition as the leading run-scorer in both ODIs and T20Is for South Africa.Wolvaardt's leadership qualities and popularity among her teammates and fans were evident as she also claimed the Players' Player of the Year and Fans' Player of the Year awards. Marco Jansen, the all-rounder, was named Men's Player of the Year for his impressive contributions, including 17 wickets at the ODI World Cup and notable performances in the Boxing Day Test against India.The awards celebrated achievements from May 1, 2023, to April 30, 2024, excluding performances at the Men's T20 World Cup and Test and T20I series in West Indies, which will be considered at next year's event. The ceremony was held in September to accommodate the availability of nationally contracted players, who are required to attend the event.David Bedingham, who made a strong debut against India and impressed in New Zealand, was recognized as the Test Player of the Year. Quinton de Kock, now retired from ODI cricket, was named ODI Player of the Year for his four centuries at the 2023 World Cup. Reeza Hendricks won the T20I Player of the Year award, being the only South African batter to score a half-century in the period under consideration.Keshav Maharaj, the left-arm spinner who made a remarkable comeback from an Achilles rupture, was voted Players' Player of the Year. Marizanne Kapp's inswinger that dismissed Beth Mooney in South Africa's first ODI win over Australia was adjudged the Best Delivery of the Season. Masabata Klaas, a single mother who overcame adversity to pursue her cricket career, received the Makhaya Ntini Power of Cricket Award.In the domestic arena, Nqabayomzi Peter, the legspinner who led the Lions to victory in the CSA T20 Cup, was named Men's Domestic Newcomer of the Season and T20 Challenge Player of the Season. Wiaan Mulder, the Lions' allrounder, was recognized as Four-Day Domestic Player of the Season. Mihlali Mpongwana, the Western Province allrounder, won the One-Day Domestic Player of the Season award.In the women's domestic competition, Nonkululeko Mlaba was named Women's One-Day Player of the Season, while Tazmin Brits won the Women's T20 Player of the Season award for her outstanding run-scoring performance.