A stunning batting display from Kusal Mendis and Babar Azam powered Peshawar Zalmi to a historic 159-run victory over Karachi Kings in the Pakistan Super League (PSL), marking the heaviest defeat in the tournament’s history. After being put in to bat, Zalmi delivered a near-flawless performance, posting their highest-ever PSL total of 246. Mendis led the charge with a blistering 109 off 52 balls, registering the fastest century by a Zalmi batter in PSL history. Babar Azam complemented him with an unbeaten 87 off 51 deliveries, as the duo stitched together a record-breaking 191-run partnership — the highest in PSL history. Despite an early setback with the dismissal of Mohammad Haris on the second ball, Zalmi quickly recovered. The pair showcased a blend of classical strokeplay and controlled aggression, guiding their team to 66 for 1 at the end of the powerplay. Mendis reached his half-century in just 26 balls, while Babar followed with a 32-ball fifty. Babar also achieved a major personal milestone, becoming the fastest player to reach 12,000 T20 runs, achieving the feat in 338 innings — surpassing Chris Gayle. Zalmi accelerated further in the death overs, thanks to a quickfire cameo from Abdul Samad, who smashed 40 off just 12 balls. His late onslaught ensured Zalmi crossed the 240 mark, leaving Karachi with a daunting chase. In response, Karachi Kings faltered from the outset. Captain David Warner’s assessment of the pitch proved inaccurate, and his side struggled to build momentum. Warner and Muhammad Waseem were dismissed within the first seven balls, followed by Salman Agha shortly after, reducing the hosts to 8 for 3. The batting collapse continued as Zalmi’s bowlers dominated proceedings. Iftikhar Ahmed, Nahid Rana, and Sufyan Muqeem shared nine wickets among them, dismantling Karachi for just 87 in 16.1 overs — the lowest PSL total recorded in Karachi. Karachi’s woes were compounded by poor fielding and the absence of key pacer Hasan Ali, who missed the match due to illness. The comprehensive victory not only extended Zalmi’s unbeaten run but also sent a strong message to the rest of the league, underlining their credentials as title contenders this season.

In a dramatic encounter in IPL 2026, Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) pulled off a sensational three-wicket victory against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), thanks to a breathtaking knock from young debutant Mukul Choudhary. Chasing a challenging target of 182, LSG found themselves in deep trouble at 104 for 5 in the 13th over. The situation worsened as wickets kept tumbling, leaving them reeling at 128 for 7. With the odds stacked heavily in KKR’s favor, Choudhary stepped up and delivered a remarkable counterattack. The 21-year-old showcased extraordinary composure and power-hitting ability, smashing a rapid 54* off just 25 balls. His innings turned the tide of the match and kept LSG in contention even as pressure mounted. The match went down to the wire, with LSG needing 14 runs in the final over. After a single off the first ball by Avesh Khan, Choudhary launched a massive six over square leg to shift momentum. Despite two dot balls that followed, he produced another stunning six off a near-perfect yorker, bringing the equation down to one run off the final delivery. In a tense finish, Choudhary missed the last ball but managed to scramble through for a leg-bye, sealing an unforgettable win for LSG. Earlier, KKR had posted 181 for 4, with contributions from Angkrish Raghuvanshi (45) and Ajinkya Rahane (41). For LSG, Akash Rathi picked up a wicket while the bowlers managed to restrict further damage. LSG’s chase was also supported by Ayush Badoni, who scored a steady 54, anchoring the innings before Choudhary’s late heroics. Ahead of the tournament, LSG coach Justin Langer had predicted Choudhary could become one of India’s most dangerous finishers. This innings not only justified that belief but also marked the arrival of a potential new star in the IPL.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has announced revised match timings for the upcoming men’s and women’s international fixtures, aligning with the government’s efforts to conserve energy amid ongoing fuel concerns. The changes will affect the men’s white-ball series between Bangladesh and New Zealand, as well as the women’s T20I series featuring Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. Originally scheduled as day-night encounters, all three One Day Internationals (ODIs) in Dhaka and Chattogram will now begin at 11:00 AM local time—three hours earlier than planned. The move is designed to ensure matches conclude before sunset, around 6:30 PM, thereby reducing reliance on floodlights. The BCB estimates this adjustment could save up to four hours of electricity per match. The men’s T20I series has also been rescheduled. The first two matches, initially set for 6:00 PM starts, will now begin at 2:00 PM, while the third T20I was already slated for an afternoon start. All matches are expected to conclude by approximately 5:10 PM. Similarly, the women’s T20I series in Sylhet—scheduled for April 28 and 30, and May 2—will now start at 1:30 PM instead of the previously planned evening timings. In an official statement, the BCB said the decision was taken to “make maximum use of daylight” and contribute to the national energy-saving initiative. The men’s ODI series will begin with the first two matches in Dhaka on April 17 and 20, followed by the third in Chattogram on April 23. The T20Is will be played in Chattogram on April 27 and 29, before concluding in Dhaka on May 2. Both the New Zealand men’s team and Sri Lanka women’s team are expected to arrive in Bangladesh next week, as the country continues to implement austerity measures in response to the global fuel crisis.

Afghanistan’s star leg-spinner Rashid Khan has decided to significantly scale back his participation in Test cricket, opting to play just one match per year in an effort to extend his international career. The 27-year-old, who also captains Afghanistan in T20 Internationals, revealed that the decision comes after ongoing concerns about a back injury that has troubled him since 2023. Medical advice had urged him to step away from the demands of red-ball cricket, but Rashid admitted he initially pushed through the pain, even playing against recommendations. Reflecting on a Test match against Zimbabwe in early 2025, Rashid said the workload took a serious toll. He bowled over 50 overs in the game, a level of exertion that alarmed medical professionals. “The doctor told me if I wanted to keep playing cricket for long, I had to be careful. That kind of workload is not sustainable,” he said. Rashid had earlier delayed surgery to remain available for Afghanistan during the 2023 World Cup, a decision that affected both his performance and physical condition. Now, he is prioritizing long-term fitness and career longevity, particularly with major limited-overs tournaments on the horizon. He has already indicated he is unlikely to feature in Afghanistan’s upcoming Test against India in June 2026. Instead, his focus will shift toward preparing for the 2027 ODI World Cup. “Test cricket is tough on the body, especially for me as a spinner who has to bowl long spells,” Rashid explained. “I can manage one Test a year, but anything more becomes difficult.” Despite his limited appearances, Rashid has been highly effective in the format. Since making his debut in 2018, he has played six Tests and taken 45 wickets at an impressive average of 20.44. Currently, Rashid is in strong form in the Indian Premier League, where he recently delivered a match-winning performance for Gujarat Titans, taking three wickets for just 17 runs to secure a narrow victory over Delhi Capitals. While Test cricket may take a backseat, Rashid remains committed to contributing across formats—carefully managing his workload to ensure he continues to play a key role for Afghanistan in the years ahead.

Kolkata Knight Riders have received a timely boost ahead of their Indian Premier League fixture against Lucknow Super Giants on Thursday, with veteran spinner Sunil Narine declared fit after recovering from illness. Narine, KKR’s all-time leading wicket-taker in the IPL, had missed their previous match against Punjab Kings due to an abdominal issue. That game was eventually washed out, marking the first time since 2019 that KKR fielded a playing XI without both Narine and fellow spinner Varun Chakravarthy. Varun Remains Uncertain While Narine’s return strengthens the bowling attack, Chakravarthy remains a doubt for the upcoming clash. The mystery spinner is recovering from a left-hand injury sustained while fielding against Sunrisers Hyderabad. Although Chakravarthy bowled his full quota during training on Wednesday, he was still seen with strapping on his injured hand. The franchise has not provided a clear timeline for his return, leaving his availability uncertain for the crucial encounter. Narine Back in Action After sitting out the previous game, Narine resumed training earlier this week and has been actively involved with both bat and ball in the lead-up to the match. His presence is expected to significantly bolster a bowling unit that has struggled with injuries and inconsistency. In his absence, left-arm spinner Anukul Roy was the only specialist spinner in the XI against Punjab Kings. Green Likely to Bowl In another positive development, KKR are set to utilize the bowling skills of Cameron Green from Thursday onwards. The all-rounder has not bowled so far this season due to workload management protocols coordinated with Cricket Australia, despite participating in training sessions. KKR Seeking Momentum KKR have had a slow start to their campaign, managing just one point from three matches after two defeats and a washout. With key players returning, the team will be eager to turn their fortunes around against Lucknow Super Giants and gain momentum in the tournament.

A dramatic final-ball finish saw Peshawar Zalmi maintain their unbeaten run in the Pakistan Super League, edging past Hyderabad Kingsmen in a nail-biting contest. Needing just one run off the final delivery, Zalmi held their nerve to seal victory after a tense chase of 146, with Iftikhar Ahmed emerging as the match-winner in an all-round performance. Zalmi Bowlers Set the Tone After being put in to bat, Kingsmen endured a disastrous start, largely due to Iftikhar’s stunning spell. Introduced early, he dismantled the top order, dismissing key batters including Saim Ayub and Sharjeel Khan in a single over, leaving the batting side reeling before the powerplay ended. A rebuilding effort came through Kusal Perera and captain Marnus Labuschagne, who stitched together an 82-run partnership. Perera’s half-century provided some resistance, but the innings unraveled quickly after spinner Sufiyan Muqeem removed both set batters in quick succession. Kingsmen collapsed dramatically, losing their last five wickets for just nine runs, eventually being bowled out for 145. Chase Turns Tense Despite Solid Start Zalmi’s chase began positively, with Mohammad Haris providing early momentum and Kusal Mendis adding stability. Captain Babar Azam anchored the innings but struggled to accelerate, scoring a cautious 43 off 37 balls. Just when the chase seemed under control, Kingsmen fought back. Wickets at regular intervals, including those of Mendis and Michael Bracewell, kept the contest alive. The turning point came in the death overs, where a superb spell from Hunain Shah, supported by Mohammad Ali, tightened the screws. Zalmi suddenly needed 29 runs from the final two overs, with pressure mounting. Iftikhar Holds His Nerve With the game slipping away, Iftikhar stepped up once again. A crucial six in the penultimate over shifted momentum back towards Zalmi. Despite disciplined bowling at the death, a couple of slight errors proved costly for Kingsmen. In the end, Zalmi scraped through on the final ball, securing a thrilling win and continuing their unbeaten streak in the tournament. Meanwhile, the defeat leaves Hyderabad Kingsmen still searching for their first win in what has been a challenging debut season, raising concerns about an early exit from the competition.

Shubman Gill revealed the thinking behind a crucial last-ball decision as Gujarat Titans secured a dramatic win over Delhi Capitals in a tense Indian Premier League 2026 clash. After a shaky start to their campaign, Gujarat Titans finally found their rhythm, but not without late drama. Delhi Capitals needed just two runs off the final two balls, and appeared to have the upper hand. However, a surprising moment unfolded when David Miller declined a straightforward single, keeping the strike for the final delivery. Gill, captaining the side, said the team had carefully debated their options before the last ball. Instead of going for a yorker, they opted for a slower delivery considering the pitch conditions. “We were discussing whether to go for the yorker or the slower one. Given how the wicket was playing, we felt a good slower ball would be difficult to hit for a boundary,” Gill explained. The decision proved decisive. Prasidh Krishna executed a slower bouncer perfectly, beating the batter, while Jos Buttler completed a sharp run-out with a direct hit to seal the win. Earlier, Gujarat Titans’ batting unit had laid a strong foundation. Gill, Buttler, and Washington Sundar all notched up half-centuries, powering the team to a formidable total. At 168 for 2 after 16 overs, a bigger finish seemed likely, but the Titans managed only 42 runs in the final four overs as the pitch slowed down. Despite that, Gill believed the total was above par. “We thought 210 was 10–15 runs above par on this surface. Even in the death overs, it wasn’t easy to clear the boundaries. We were confident that disciplined bowling would get us through,” he said. Buttler’s return to form was another positive for Gujarat. The English wicketkeeper-batter had struggled recently, managing just 87 runs in eight innings during the T20 World Cup and failing to convert starts in the opening IPL games. Reflecting on his performance, Buttler said he remained confident despite the lean patch. “I’ve been searching for runs a bit, but I felt in good touch. If you’ve played long enough, you know it comes back at some point. You just have to keep working,” he noted, adding that the win was crucial in a tightly contested tournament. With their first victory secured, Gujarat Titans will now look to build momentum when they face Lucknow Super Giants in Lucknow on April 12.

Cameron Green is expected to resume bowling duties for Kolkata Knight Riders in their upcoming Indian Premier League 2026 match against Lucknow Super Giants at Eden Gardens on Thursday. Green has not bowled in any of KKR’s first three matches this season, having been initially cleared to participate only as a specialist batter due to a lower-back injury. Cricket Australia had earlier advised that the all-rounder would gradually rebuild his bowling workload over a 10–12 day period. With that timeframe now elapsed, Green is understood to be ready to return to bowling in competitive conditions. His absence as a bowling option has disrupted KKR’s plans, particularly as several key bowlers have been unavailable. Mustafizur Rahman was withdrawn from the squad on instructions from the Board of Control for Cricket in India ahead of the tournament, while Harshit Rana and Akash Deep were ruled out due to injuries. Additionally, Sunil Narine missed the previous match due to illness, and Varun Chakravarthy has been sidelined with a hand injury. Beyond his bowling absence, Green’s batting form has also come under scrutiny. The Australian, who was signed for a record INR 25.20 crore at the IPL auction—the highest ever for an overseas player—has managed scores of just 18, 2, and 4 in his first three innings, raising questions about his role in the side. Former Australian captain Aaron Finch weighed in on Green’s struggles, suggesting a shift in approach. He noted that while one of Green’s dismissals was an unfortunate run-out, the batter has appeared tentative compared to his earlier performances. Finch advised that KKR should either promote him up the order or consider giving him a break to regain confidence. Green has so far batted at No. 3 twice and at No. 4 once this season, as KKR continue to search for the right balance amid a challenging start to their campaign.

Mir Hamza Sajjad, the fast bowler for Islamabad United, is recovering after suffering a concussion during a training session in Karachi. The incident occurred when Sajjad was struck on the back of the neck by a stray ball while practicing in the nets. After delivering a ball, he had turned to walk back to his run-up when a flat shot from another practice area flew toward him, leaving him little time to react. The impact caused him to collapse and briefly lose consciousness. Team physiotherapist Cliffe Deacon immediately administered first aid before Sajjad was transported to a nearby hospital via an on-site ambulance. He regained consciousness during the journey and later showed encouraging signs of recovery, including being able to speak with his family. Medical assessments confirmed that there was no blood clot resulting from the injury. Although the franchise offered him the option to return home, Sajjad has chosen to remain with the squad as he continues his recovery under medical supervision. Sajjad has yet to feature for Islamabad United this season. The team is set to face Lahore Qalandars in their next Pakistan Super League 2026 fixture. Islamabad United currently sits third on the points table, with two wins and one loss so far in the campaign.

The explosive batting of Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Yashasvi Jaiswal has not only dismantled bowling attacks but also begun to influence the mindset of even the world’s best bowlers, including Jasprit Bumrah. Following Mumbai Indians’ defeat to Rajasthan Royals in a rain-shortened IPL 2026 clash in Guwahati, MI head coach Mahela Jayawardene admitted his side failed to execute their plans during the crucial early overs. Early Onslaught Decisive Rajasthan’s openers came out with aggressive intent in the 11-over contest, capitalizing on the freedom provided by the shortened format. The Royals raced to 80 in the first five overs, including a punishing 22-run opening over from Deepak Chahar. While Mumbai managed to regain some control in the middle overs, the early damage proved too significant to recover from. “The margins are very small, and we didn’t execute the way we wanted,” Jayawardene said, noting that the powerplay proved decisive. Fear Factor Around Sooryavanshi Much of the spotlight, however, has shifted to the fearless approach of teenage sensation Sooryavanshi. Former South African fast bowler Dale Steyn believes the youngster has already created a psychological edge over bowlers. “He’s instilled fear into bowlers that if they get it wrong, he’ll hit them for six,” Steyn said, pointing to Bumrah’s rare error—a slot delivery that was promptly dispatched over the boundary. Steyn suggested that this mental pressure can disrupt even elite bowlers. “If you’re thinking ‘don’t miss,’ more often than not, you do miss,” he explained, highlighting how hesitation can affect execution at the highest level. Mind Over Skill Former Australia captain Aaron Finch echoed similar views, emphasizing the psychological battle between bat and ball. He noted that Bumrah likely attempted an inswinging yorker but mis-executed under pressure. “It’s amazing how the mind affects skill,” Finch said. “If you focus on not making a mistake, you often end up making it.” MI Fall Short Despite Late Fightback Chasing 150 in 11 overs, Mumbai Indians posted 123 for 9. Despite a late 47-run stand for the sixth wicket, they were unable to build the partnerships needed to mount a serious challenge. Jayawardene maintained that the target was within reach but conceded that early wickets and lack of momentum proved costly. “We had the capability, but we needed one or two strong partnerships,” he said. “In the end, it was just a few big hits that made the difference.” Royals’ Batting Sets the Benchmark While Jaiswal’s unbeaten 77 anchored the innings, it was the combined aggression at the top that set the tone. Sooryavanshi’s fearless hitting has quickly made him one of the most talked-about young players in the tournament—not just for his runs, but for the impact he is having on the mindset of opposition bowlers. As the IPL progresses, the “Sooryavanshi effect” could become a defining storyline—where talent meets fearlessness, and even the best are forced to rethink their approach.

Australia’s decision to appoint Sophie Molineux as captain will ultimately be judged by performances at the upcoming ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, according to national selector Shawn Flegler, who admitted her recent injury has created an “unprecedented” start to her leadership tenure. Molineux was named successor to former captain Alyssa Healy earlier this year, taking charge in phases before assuming full-time leadership during Australia’s tour of the West Indies. However, her captaincy has already faced challenges after she suffered a stress reaction in her back, limiting her role in the Caribbean to a batter-only position before being rested. Backing the Appointment Despite Injury Concerns Flegler acknowledged the unusual circumstances but maintained that Molineux remains the right choice to lead the side, emphasizing that the T20 World Cup was always the primary focus. “We knew the World Cup was the priority and decisions would revolve around that,” Flegler said. “Her injury was not ideal, but she is on track, and we believe she’ll be ready.” He also made it clear that Molineux will not be considered for a specialist batting role at the tournament, underlining her importance as a bowling allrounder. “We’re not looking at her as a batting captain—she needs to be available as a bowler,” he added. Leadership Decision Not Taken Lightly The appointment of Molineux over vice-captains Tahlia McGrath and Ashleigh Gardner followed more than a year of internal discussions. According to Flegler, Molineux’s leadership qualities had been evident since early in her career, and injuries may have delayed her rise to captaincy. “If not for injuries, she could have been in the role much earlier,” Flegler noted, stressing that internal team dynamics and leadership qualities played a key role in the decision. Selection Headaches Ahead of World Cup Molineux’s limited bowling during the West Indies tour has also complicated Australia’s squad balance, particularly in the spin department. Alana King impressed on her return to T20Is, earning Player of the Series, while Georgia Wareham remains a first-choice spinner. Gardner also adds depth to the spin attack. Selectors now face a difficult decision on whether to include three or four spinners in the World Cup squad, especially with English conditions potentially favouring seam bowling. “Conditions will be crucial,” Flegler said, noting early morning matches and varying pitches could influence team composition. “There are players who’ve put their hand up, and whoever misses out will be unlucky.” Road to the World Cup Australia’s squad for the tournament is expected to be announced next month, followed by preparatory camps in Brisbane. The team will also play a warm-up series against South Africa in the UK before the tournament begins, along with official ICC practice matches. With expectations high and scrutiny mounting, Molineux’s leadership—along with her fitness—will be closely watched as Australia aims to maintain its dominance on the global stage.

Cricket Australia has announced its 18-player central contracts list for the 2026–27 season, with uncapped allrounder Chloe Ainsworth and emerging left-arm seamer Lucy Hamilton earning maiden deals. Ainsworth, who represents Western Australia and the Perth Scorchers, has yet to feature at the international level, making her inclusion a long-term investment by selectors. Meanwhile, Hamilton’s selection follows an impressive debut run across all three formats during Australia’s recent series against India and the West Indies. Rising Talent Rewarded The 20-year-old Ainsworth enjoyed a standout domestic season in the Women's National Cricket League, scoring 194 runs at an average of 97.00, including her maiden century. Though her bowling returns were modest in the competition, she has been a consistent performer in the Women's Big Bash League, claiming 40 wickets across three seasons. However, Ainsworth is currently recovering from a foot injury and was not considered for the recent Green vs Gold fixture in Sydney. National selector Shawn Flegler emphasized that her contract reflects future potential rather than immediate selection. “I think it’s really important that she continues to work on her body and prepare for the demands of international cricket,” Flegler said, noting the physical and mental challenges of sustained touring. Hamilton, on the other hand, appears closer to cementing her place in the national setup. Having adapted quickly to the international stage, she is considered a strong contender for Australia’s squad in the upcoming ICC Women’s T20 World Cup. Carey Returns, Familiar Names Retained Allrounder Nicola Carey also earned a contract after returning to the national side earlier this year for series against India and the West Indies. Her performances, particularly with the bat, included a career-best ODI score of 49 in St Kitts. Despite missing the West Indies tour, Grace Harris retained her contract, as did fellow allrounder Heather Graham. Notable Omissions and Comeback Watch Among those not retained are former captain Alyssa Healy, who has retired, along with Tayla Vlaeminck and Tess Flintoff. Vlaeminck’s omission comes as she continues her return from a prolonged injury layoff. Flegler reaffirmed that she remains in contention if she can maintain fitness and build consistent match exposure. “She’s had a tough run with injuries, but once she’s back playing regularly, she’ll certainly be available for selection,” he said. Wicketkeeper Tahlia Wilson, who debuted in ODIs last month, was the only player to feature for Australia in the past year not included in the list. Busy Season Ahead The contract period covers a packed international calendar, including the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in England, home white-ball series against Bangladesh and New Zealand, as well as away tours to Sri Lanka and South Africa, the latter featuring a Test match. Players outside the initial contract list can still earn upgrades during the season through a points-based system tied to international appearances. The inclusion of emerging players like Ainsworth and Hamilton highlights Australia’s continued focus on building depth while maintaining its dominance in women’s cricket.