Cricket

Chamari Athapaththu's record-breaking performance in Sri Lanka's thrilling ODI victory over South Africa has propelled her to the summit of the ICC's batting rankings for women's ODIs. Athapaththu's unbeaten 195 in just 139 balls shattered several records, including the highest individual score in a successful ODI chase.Chasing South Africa's formidable total of 301 for 5, anchored by Laura Wolvaardt's magnificent 184 not out, Sri Lanka chased down the target in a mere 44.3 overs. Athapaththu's knock was a masterclass in power-hitting, as she smashed 22 fours and 5 sixes.Her innings not only secured a remarkable victory for Sri Lanka but also earned her a career-high rating of 773 on the ICC table. This achievement marks a significant milestone for Athapaththu, who has consistently been among the top performers in women's cricket.Athapaththu's rise to the top has been accompanied by the impressive performances of other batters. Wolvaardt, who had entered the top five in the previous rankings update, has moved up two more spots to third place. Hayley Matthews has also made significant strides, jumping seven spots to reach No. 11 after her match-winning knocks against Pakistan.Among bowlers, Pakistan's Sadia Iqbal has made a notable ascent, moving up six places to enter the top 20. Her impressive returns of 2 for 38 and 1 for 36 against West Indies have earned her recognition as one of the most promising young spinners in the game.The ICC rankings reflect the dynamic nature of women's cricket, with players from various nations showcasing their exceptional skills. Athapaththu's achievement is a testament to her unwavering determination and the growing strength of Sri Lanka's women's cricket team.

Central Sparks broke their 50-over jinx against the Blaze with a resounding 78-run victory in the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy opener at Edgbaston.Sparks, who had never defeated Blaze in the format, capitalized on the visitors' depleted squad due to injuries and international commitments. Batting first, they posted a competitive 213 for 9, thanks to Abi Freeborn's 53 and Katie George's late cameo of 32.Blaze's reply was derailed by Emily Arlott's opening spell of 7-4-5-2, which reduced them to 14 for 3. Nadine de Klerk, fresh from her arrival from South Africa, offered resistance with 43, but Hannah Baker's three wickets proved decisive as Blaze's undermanned team crumbled.Sparks' innings began cautiously against de Klerk's economical opening spell. Eve Jones' dismissal trying to flick Grace Ballinger to leg set the tone for a series of starts that failed to convert into substantial scores.Chloe Brewer's reverse sweep for four off Kirstie Gordon was short-lived, as she fell lbw attempting the same shot. Davina Perrin's off-stump dismissal to Munro further tightened Blaze's grip.Marie Kelly's delivery deceived Ami Campbell, resulting in a stumping. However, Freeborn reached a composed half-century before perishing to Munro. George's late flurry provided some impetus, but de Klerk's yorker ended her innings.Sparks' bowlers dominated from the outset. Arlott's early wickets of Teresa Graves and Marie Kelly, followed by Issy Wong's lbw decision against Munro, left Blaze reeling at 39 for 4.De Klerk and Daisy Mullan steadied the ship with a 51-run partnership, but Baker's introduction proved pivotal. She removed both batters in quick succession, followed by Michaela Kirk's dismissal to deep midwicket.Central Sparks' emphatic victory sets the tone for the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy season, while Blaze will need to regroup and address their injury concerns.

Yorkshire's bid to host a Tier 1 team in England's new domestic women's structure has been unsuccessful, sparking disappointment and frustration within the club. However, ECB chief executive Richard Gould has denied that the decision was influenced by Yorkshire's past failings in addressing allegations of institutional racism.Northern Diamonds, the regional side in the north east, will continue to be based primarily at Headingley but will also play home games at other locations in 2024. Durham will host a Tier 1 county in the initial eight-team structure from 2025, a decision that Yorkshire's board described as "tough to take."Yorkshire's board highlighted the club's large active playing base of women and girls, as well as its success in producing players who have gone on to play internationally for England. They expressed disappointment that they would not be able to use a Tier 1 women's team to help them achieve their ambition of becoming "the most welcoming and inclusive cricket club in the country."Gould emphasized that the ECB's decision was not a punishment for Yorkshire's past sins. "Our role is to promote the game, not punish," he said. "We have responsibility when we have an opportunity such as this to get the best outcomes nationally."The news has caused concern among Northern Diamonds players and staff, with England captain Heather Knight confirming that the prospect of having to relocate from Leeds to Durham has caused "quite an unsettling time" for some of the Yorkshire-based domestic players.Gould acknowledged that such tough decisions are part of the process. "This is professional sport," he said. "It's no bad thing. If you want to be paid to be a player in this set-up, you're going to be a Tier 1 player."The Professional Cricketers' Association (PCA) anticipates some "teething problems" and has pledged to hold counties accountable in delivering on their proposals. Knight believes that the scale of disappointment is a sign of the progress that has been made in women's cricket.The ECB's investment in women's domestic cricket is expected to grow the number of female professional players in the country by 80% in the next five years. Knight believes there is enough talent to sustain the structure and that investment is key to growing the depth.The revamp is seen as the next logical step in the professionalization of women's cricket in England and Wales. Knight expressed excitement about the plans and hopes that women's cricket will be given equal opportunity alongside the men's game.

Daniel Gidney, Lancashire's chief executive, has urged the ECB to secure a title sponsor and a dedicated broadcast deal for the Charlotte Edwards Cup. This call comes after Lancashire's significant investment in women's cricket earned them Tier 1 status in the revamped domestic structure from 2025.Lancashire has been a major supporter of Thunder in England's regional competitions since 2020, with backing from Hilton and Sportsbreaks.com. They now boast a full-time squad of 15 professionals and have embarked on their third consecutive pre-season tour.Gidney expressed his delight at Lancashire's Tier 1 status, emphasizing the need for proper investment in women's cricket. He believes the ECB must find a title sponsor for the Charlotte Edwards Cup and invest in marketing games outside of the Hundred.The ECB has pledged to invest around £19 million in women's domestic cricket by 2027. However, Gidney argues that the Charlotte Edwards Cup needs to be backed by England players and taken seriously. He points out that their quarter-final at Blackpool last year attracted more spectators than Finals Day at New Road.While the men's county competitions have headline sponsors, the women's regional equivalents do not. Gidney insists that the Charlotte Edwards Cup requires a title sponsor that pays substantial money and that it should be broadcast.Gidney believes the move towards a county model reflects the rapid commercialization of women's sport. He cites the success of the Lionesses, Red Roses, and Arsenal's women's team as evidence of this growth.The tender process for Tier 1 teams has highlighted the counties that are genuinely committed to investing in women's cricket. Gidney emphasizes that authenticity is crucial and that counties must demonstrate their commitment through actions and investments.Thunder, who have appointed Chris Read as their coach, will play seven fixtures at Old Trafford this year, the most of any regional team at a men's Test venue. Lancashire is also building a new facility at Farington, which will serve as a training base and host matches.Gidney stresses that Emirates Old Trafford remains the home of Lancashire Cricket for both men and women. Old Trafford will also host women's international cricket again from 2025, and Gidney hopes to secure Women's T20 World Cup matches there in 2026.

Essex Cricket Club has secured Tier 1 status in the new professional structure for women's cricket, a significant milestone that opens up exciting opportunities for the club and the region. The decision by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) recognizes Essex's commitment to developing women's cricket and its potential to become a leading force in the sport.The club's bid, supported by the University of Essex and cricket boards in neighboring counties, was chosen over other strong contenders in the South East of England. This achievement is a testament to Essex's vision and the strength of its partnership with the university, which will provide access to expertise in sports science and training facilities.Essex's home ground at Chelmsford, with a current capacity of approximately 5,000, is the smallest among the eight Tier 1 clubs. However, club chief executive John Stephenson believes the ground's intimate atmosphere will be an advantage in the short term as the club grows alongside the women's game.In the long term, Stephenson expects the Tier 1 status to accelerate the club's redevelopment plans. Consultation with local residents and Chelmsford City Council is underway, with the aim of doubling the ground's capacity to 10,000 by the time of the men's T20 World Cup in 2030."It will link into our development plans because what's held the club back has been the lack of investment in the ground," Stephenson said. "We're confident in our masterplan, and the commercial possibilities relating to the women's game are huge."The club's ambition was boosted by its successful hosting of an Ireland-Bangladesh ODI series last season, which drew enthusiastic support from the Bangladeshi community in East London. With the Women's World Cup due to be held in England in 2026, Stephenson is confident that Chelmsford can be ready to host more major matches in the near future."If we can get a spade in the ground next year, by 2030 the women's game will have grown exponentially, and hopefully we'll be ready to host a World Cup match for the men in 2030," he said.Essex's Tier 1 status is also a vindication of the club's efforts to confront allegations of historic racist abuse. The club has taken significant action to address these issues, and the ECB's decision recognizes the progress that has been made."It is pleasing that the ECB recognize that we have dealt with the situation that we were confronted with," Stephenson said. "Now the club is moving in a great direction, and that is particularly satisfying."

Sri Lanka's women's cricket team has set their sights on reaching the semi-finals of both the T20 and ODI World Cups, according to captain Chamari Athapaththu. The team has shown impressive form in recent months, winning T20I series against Bangladesh, England, and South Africa, and reaching the final of the Asian Games. They also won ODI series against Bangladesh and New Zealand and are in contention for automatic qualification for the 2025 ODI World Cup.Athapaththu's confidence stems from her team's recent performances, including her own record-breaking 195 not out against South Africa. This innings not only marked the third-highest individual score in women's ODIs but also led Sri Lanka to the highest successful chase in the format.The team's success is also attributed to the contributions of young players like Nilakshika Silva, who scored an unbeaten 50 against South Africa. Athapaththu believes that her team has the potential to achieve great things, especially if they continue to play with the same determination and skill.However, Athapaththu is also aware of the challenges ahead. Sri Lanka must perform well against West Indies and Ireland to secure a top-five finish in the Women's Championship table and qualify for the ODI World Cup. They must also navigate the T20 World Cup qualifiers in the UAE, where they are grouped with Thailand, Scotland, Uganda, and USA.Despite the challenges, Athapaththu remains optimistic about her team's chances. She is particularly excited about the prospect of seeing another Sri Lankan batter surpass her record score. She believes that such achievements can inspire the next generation of cricketers and help Sri Lanka become a force to be reckoned with on the international stage.

India's women's cricket team has announced a 16-member squad for the upcoming five-match T20I series against Bangladesh, scheduled to commence on April 28. The squad features two notable inclusions in S Sajana and S Asha, who have earned their maiden India call-ups.Sajana, a hard-hitting batter, emerged as one of Mumbai's breakout stars in the recently concluded Women's Premier League (WPL). Her ability to accelerate the innings in the latter stages was instrumental in Mumbai's success. Asha, on the other hand, became the first Indian to claim a five-wicket haul in the WPL. She finished as the second-highest wicket-taker in the tournament, showcasing her impressive bowling skills.The squad also includes the return of experienced all-rounder D Hemalatha and left-arm spinner Radha Yadav. Hemalatha last played a T20I in September 2022, while Yadav's last appearance came at the T20 World Cup in South Africa last year.The composition of the squad aligns with captain Harmanpreet Kaur's stated goal of providing opportunities to top performers ahead of the T20 World Cup, scheduled for September-October in Bangladesh.Jemimah Rodrigues, a key member of the Indian team, will miss the Bangladesh tour due to a back niggle. She is currently undergoing treatment at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru. The decision to rest Rodrigues is precautionary, considering the upcoming T20 World Cup.The squad is predominantly spin-heavy, reflecting the expected conditions in Bangladesh. Deepti Sharma will lead the spin attack, supported by Shreyanka Patil, Saika Ishaque, Asha, and Radha Yadav. Renuka Singh Thakur and Titas Sadhu are the two frontline pacers, with Pooja Vastrakar and Amanjot Kaur providing seam-bowling options.Richa Ghosh is expected to be the first-choice wicketkeeper, while Yastika Bhatia, who has impressed as a pure batter, is likely to serve as a backup.India will be aiming to continue their dominance over Bangladesh in T20Is. In their previous encounter in July 2022, India won the series 2-1.

The Professional Cricketers Association (PCA) has urged counties to fulfill their commitments to women's cricket after the ECB announced the allocation of 'Tier 1' teams in England's revamped domestic structure.Counties, excluding Derbyshire and Worcestershire, will soon learn if their bids to host Tier 1 teams have been successful. However, players have expressed concerns that counties may not deliver on their promises.Daryl Mitchell, PCA's chief operating officer, emphasized the importance of holding counties accountable. "We'll lobby the ECB to ensure successful bidders keep their word," he said. "The ECB's auditing and policing will be crucial, and we can play our part."The PCA and ECB have agreed on a minimum squad size of 15 for Tier 1 teams and equalizing the minimum wage for female and male cricketers. These commitments will be formalized in the updated County Partnership Agreement (CPA)."Some female players currently work two jobs to make ends meet," Mitchell said. "We need to ensure minimum salaries are appropriate and equal to men's salaries. This is crucial for players to become professional."Players are excited about the new system, which will provide equal access to facilities and coaches. "Players want the 'one club, two team' mentality seen in the Hundred," Mitchell said. "There will be teething problems, but overall, it's positive for the game."Despite the challenges, Mitchell encouraged unsuccessful counties to continue investing in women's cricket. "The tender process has made counties consider how to incorporate women's cricket into their structures," he said. "Hopefully, those eight that are unsuccessful become Tier 2 teams and build foundations."The Hundred's potential ownership changes have also been discussed by the PCA. "There's a lot of talk about the women's game behind the scenes," Mitchell said. "We'll ensure that investors are fully committed to both the men's and women's Hundred."The final season of the women's regional structure begins next Saturday, with several teams signing Australian overseas players.

In a thrilling climax to the Inter-zonal Multi-Day Trophy, East Zone snatched a dramatic one-wicket victory over South Zone at the Maharashtra Cricket Stadium. With just six runs needed for victory, East Zone found themselves on the brink of defeat as South Zone's Minnu Mani bowled with precision, exploiting the cracks in the surface.Titas Sadhu and Annapurna Das, the last two East Zone batters, faced an anxious wait as Mani's deliveries tested their resolve. After 12 tense balls, Sadhu managed to find the boundary, securing the winning runs and sparking jubilation among the East Zone camp.The match had been a closely fought affair throughout, with both teams displaying resilience and determination. South Zone had posted a modest 133 in their first innings, but their bowlers kept them in the game by restricting East Zone to 129. In the second innings, South Zone improved their batting performance, scoring 179, setting East Zone a target of 184.East Zone's chase got off to a shaky start, but Deepti Sharma's 46 and Richa Ghosh's 33 provided some stability. However, South Zone's bowlers fought back, reducing East Zone to 178/9. With just one wicket remaining, the pendulum swung in East Zone's favor as Sadhu and Das held their nerve to secure the victory.Former India captain Shubhangi Kulkarni was present to felicitate the winners, with East Zone receiving a cheque for ₹50 lakh, while South Zone received ₹20 lakh. Minnu Mani was named Player of the Match for her impressive bowling performance, while Deepti Sharma was awarded Player of the Tournament.The victory marked a significant achievement for East Zone, who had not won the Inter-zonal Multi-Day Trophy since 2016. The tournament showcased the depth of talent in Indian women's cricket, with several players putting in standout performances.