New Zealand have announced their 15-member squad for the upcoming ICC Women's T20 World Cup, with senior players Sophie Devine and Lea Tahuhu confirming they will retire from international cricket after the tournament. The duo will join Suzie Bates, who had earlier declared the event as her “final mission” in international cricket. The squad, led by Amelia Kerr, reflects a blend of experience and emerging talent as New Zealand prepare to defend their T20 World Cup title. Ten players from the previous title-winning campaign have been retained, including Kerr, Bates, Devine, Tahuhu, Izzy Gaze, Maddy Green, Brooke Halliday, Jess Kerr, Rosemary Mair and Georgia Plimmer. Among the notable inclusions are Nensi Patel and Izzy Sharp, both set to feature in their first T20 World Cup. Patel, an offspin-bowling allrounder, has made an impressive start to her international career with six wickets in four matches, while Sharp has already represented New Zealand in 11 T20Is since her debut in 2025. Head coach Ben Sawyer expressed confidence in the squad, highlighting the balance between seasoned campaigners and young prospects. He described World Cups as the pinnacle of international cricket and said the team is eager to compete on the global stage. The tournament will also mark the end of an era for New Zealand cricket, with three of their most experienced players—Devine, Bates, and Tahuhu—bowing out together. Sawyer called it a “rare and special occasion,” acknowledging their immense contributions to the team and the sport. New Zealand head into the tournament in strong form, having won seven of their last eight T20 internationals. They will play a three-match T20I series against England women's cricket team in late May as part of their preparations. Placed in Group 2, New Zealand will face Ireland women's cricket team, Scotland women's cricket team, Sri Lanka women's cricket team, West Indies women's cricket team, and hosts England. They will begin their campaign against West Indies on June 14 in Hampshire, following warm-up matches against Bangladesh and South Africa in Loughborough. New Zealand Squad: Amelia Kerr (captain), Suzie Bates, Sophie Devine, Flora Devonshire, Izzy Gaze (wk), Maddy Green, Brooke Halliday, Bree Illing, Polly Inglis (wk), Jess Kerr, Rosemary Mair, Nensi Patel, Georgia Plimmer, Izzy Sharp (wk), Lea Tahuhu.

Rajasthan Royals registered a crucial win over Punjab Kings, and at the heart of their successful chase was a composed yet explosive knock from Shubham Dubey, who delivered in one of the toughest roles in T20 cricket. Coming in at No. 6 during a tense chase, Dubey faced a daunting scenario—RR still needed 72 runs off 36 balls. In just his second appearance of the season, he rose to the occasion with an unbeaten 31 off 12 balls, stitching a match-winning 77-run partnership off 32 deliveries with Donovan Ferreira. Head coach Kumar Sangakkara praised Dubey’s impact, calling him “exceptionally skilful,” particularly given the uncertainty around his role as an impact substitute. Sangakkara highlighted the mental challenge of staying ready without knowing when—or if—one will be called upon to bat, crediting Dubey for maintaining focus and delivering under pressure. While much of the spotlight has been on emerging star Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Sangakkara emphasized the depth in RR’s batting lineup, naming players like Yashasvi Jaiswal, Riyan Parag, Dhruv Jurel, Ravindra Jadeja, and Dasun Shanaka as part of a strong, well-rounded unit. He described the victory as a collective effort, with key contributions also coming from Ferreira and Parag, whose quickfire 29 helped shift momentum. Dubey’s journey to this stage reflects persistence and consistent performances in domestic cricket. He first gained attention through tournaments like the Bapuna Cup in Vidarbha and impressed in the 2023–24 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, where he scored 221 runs at an average of 73.66 and a strike rate above 187. His performances earned him an IPL contract with RR in 2024. Though his opportunities were limited in earlier seasons, Dubey showed glimpses of his finishing ability with high strike rates. After being re-signed at a lower price, he continued to contribute in IPL 2025 and has now begun IPL 2026 with impactful cameos, including a 19* against Lucknow Super Giants and this decisive innings against PBKS. Former cricketer Abhinav Mukund highlighted the difficulty of Dubey’s role, noting that players batting lower down often face immense pressure to score quickly with limited deliveries. He commended Rajasthan Royals for backing Dubey despite limited opportunities, adding that such faith is crucial for players in these high-risk roles. Piyush Chawla also lauded Dubey’s game awareness, pointing out his ability to control the tempo and execute big shots when needed. He described Dubey’s partnership with Ferreira as “brilliant,” crediting the duo for ensuring Rajasthan crossed the finish line comfortably. With this win, Rajasthan Royals not only ended Punjab Kings’ unbeaten streak but also showcased the strength of their middle order—led by a player who is steadily proving his value in one of the most demanding roles in the format.

Punjab Kings’ strong start to IPL 2026 hit its first hurdle after a defeat to Rajasthan Royals, exposing concerns around their bowling unit—particularly the form of Arshdeep Singh. PBKS have largely relied on their explosive batting this season, but when the lineup delivered a below-par performance against RR, the bowlers failed to compensate. The loss has sparked debate among experts, with former cricketers Piyush Chawla and Abhinav Mukund calling it a “reality check” and raising questions over Arshdeep’s effectiveness. Arshdeep, a key figure in Punjab’s pace attack, has managed just eight wickets in as many matches while conceding runs at an economy rate nearing 11. His control has also been an issue, with 19 wides—more than any other bowler this season. Notably, over 10% of his deliveries have been wides, an outlier among regular bowlers in the tournament. Despite his reputation as a dependable death bowler known for precise yorkers, Arshdeep has struggled to deliver consistently. Against Rajasthan, he conceded 68 runs in four overs, including expensive spells both in the powerplay and at the death. Mukund pointed out that while Arshdeep often operates on challenging wide lines, his execution and planning appeared off in the latest outing. Chawla echoed similar concerns, noting that Arshdeep’s inability to strike early with the new ball has diminished his overall impact. “The occasional off game is acceptable, but when it becomes a pattern, it’s a concern—especially heading toward the playoffs,” Chawla observed, adding that such lapses could prove costly in high-pressure matches. Punjab’s bowling struggles have been somewhat masked by their batting heroics, including a record chase against Delhi Capitals. However, conceding massive totals—like the 264 runs in that game—has underlined vulnerabilities in their attack. Fast-bowling coach James Hopes remained measured in his assessment, emphasizing that the team only needs minor adjustments. He highlighted the effectiveness of the spin duo, Yuzvendra Chahal and Harpreet Brar, and suggested that spin could play a larger role on flat pitches where fast bowlers have struggled. Hopes also stressed that one defeat should not overshadow the team’s overall performance, noting that losses are inevitable in a long tournament. With several matches still to play, including an upcoming clash against Gujarat Titans, PBKS have time to recalibrate. While Punjab Kings continue to lead the table, their first loss has revealed cracks that were previously concealed by consistent wins. How they address these issues—particularly Arshdeep’s form—could define their campaign as the tournament progresses.

Former India cricketer Abhinav Mukund has expressed concern over Ravi Bishnoi being dropped by Rajasthan Royals, warning that the decision could “dent his confidence massively” despite the legspinner’s promising start to the Indian Premier League 2026 season. Bishnoi began the campaign strongly, claiming nine wickets in his first four matches. However, his form dipped in the following four games, where he managed just two wickets while conceding 115 runs in 11 overs at an economy rate of 10.45. This slump led to his omission from the playing XI against Punjab Kings. In his place, Rajasthan Royals handed an opportunity to 19-year-old legspinner Yash Raj Punja, who had previously featured alongside Bishnoi in a defeat to Kolkata Knight Riders. In that match, Punja impressed with figures of 1 for 25, while Bishnoi returned 1 for 41. Speaking on a cricket analysis show, veteran legspinner Piyush Chawla backed Bishnoi’s recent performances, stating he believed the bowler was still in good form. Mukund, however, was more critical of the team’s selection call, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a consistent core in successful IPL teams. “I’m not too much in agreement with the Yash Raj call,” Mukund said. “Teams that have done well over time have stuck with a core group of bowlers, especially Indian players. Dropping Bishnoi for another legspinner could hurt his confidence.” Despite the debate, Punja delivered a solid performance against Punjab Kings, picking up two wickets while conceding 41 runs in his four overs. Rajasthan Royals went on to chase down a daunting target of 223 with four balls to spare. Bishnoi joined Rajasthan Royals this season after a difficult stint with Lucknow Super Giants in IPL 2025, where he managed nine wickets in 11 innings at a high economy rate of 10.83. This was a stark contrast to his earlier IPL performances between 2020 and 2024, during which he consistently picked up wickets while maintaining economical bowling figures. Reflecting on his struggles earlier this season, Bishnoi acknowledged issues with his bowling lengths but highlighted the work he had put in across mental, technical, and physical aspects of his game. He credited his efforts in domestic cricket and off-season training for helping him improve. Mukund added that while Lucknow Super Giants were justified in releasing Bishnoi after a poor 2025 season, Rajasthan Royals may have acted too hastily in dropping him this year. “I don’t think he’s had a bad season this year,” he noted. The decision has sparked discussion around team selection strategies and player management, particularly the balance between form and confidence in a high-pressure tournament like the IPL.

England have unveiled their 15-player squad for the upcoming ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, with teenage spinner Tilly Corteen-Coleman emerging as the most eye-catching inclusion. The tournament is set to begin on June 12 at Edgbaston, marking a major home event for England women’s cricket. At just 18 years old, Corteen-Coleman has rapidly risen through the ranks. The Surrey left-arm spinner first gained widespread attention in 2024 when, aged 16, she claimed four wickets in four consecutive deliveries for South East Stars in the Charlotte Edwards Cup. Since then, she has continued to impress, including notable performances in The Hundred for Southern Brave and during England’s recent intra-squad tour of South Africa. She is among three players set to make their T20 World Cup debut, alongside fast bowlers Issy Wong and Lauren Filer. Despite these fresh additions, England have largely relied on experienced names as they prepare for their first home ICC tournament since their 2017 ODI World Cup triumph. All-rounder Nat Sciver-Brunt will lead the side, featuring in her seventh T20 World Cup. Veteran batter Danni Wyatt-Hodge, who recently turned 35, is set for her eighth appearance in the competition. However, there were notable omissions, including 19-year-old batter Davina Perrin, one of the breakout stars of last year’s Hundred. Head coach Charlotte Edwards acknowledged the difficulty of finalizing the squad, citing the depth of talent available. “The waiting and wondering is over,” Edwards said. “This has been one of the toughest selection processes I’ve been part of because of the strength and depth we now have. That’s exactly where we want to be as a team.” She also emphasized the significance of hosting the tournament on home soil, describing it as a “special moment” and expressing confidence in the squad’s potential to achieve success. Captain Sciver-Brunt echoed that sentiment, calling it a “huge honour” to lead England in a home World Cup. She highlighted the team’s ambition to replicate past successes, including England’s 2009 T20 World Cup victory and the 2017 ODI World Cup win. “We’re excited to get out there and give everything to win this World Cup again,” she said. In addition to the World Cup squad, England have also announced teams for their upcoming international fixtures, including a Metro Bank One-Day series against New Zealand and T20I series against both New Zealand and India. New faces Kira Chathli and Jodi Grewcock have earned their first international call-ups, while experienced opener Tammy Beaumont has been left out. With a blend of youth and experience, England will look to capitalize on home advantage as they aim for T20 World Cup glory this summer.

In a dramatic turnaround from Saturday’s high-scoring thriller, Delhi Capitals endured one of the most catastrophic batting collapses in Indian Premier League history, folding for just 75 against Royal Challengers Bengaluru on Monday. After a pitch that previously produced 529 runs across two innings, the adjacent surface at Delhi offered a completely different challenge. Swing and bounce dominated the powerplay, and RCB’s pace duo of Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood exploited conditions to devastating effect. Delhi’s innings unraveled almost immediately. Debutant Sahil Parakh was dismissed for a two-ball duck by Bhuvneshwar, who showcased both outswing and inswing in a lethal opening over. Hazlewood then struck twice in his first over, removing KL Rahul and Sameer Rizvi off consecutive deliveries. Within three overs, DC were reeling at 7 for 5. The situation worsened when Nitish Rana fell to Hazlewood, leaving the side at a shocking 8 for 6. Their powerplay total of 13 became the lowest ever in a full IPL match. Bhuvneshwar (3-0-5-3) and Hazlewood (3-0-8-3) combined for six wickets in the first six overs, leaving Delhi in complete disarray. Even RCB players appeared stunned by the scale of the collapse. A brief recovery came through a 35-run stand between Abhishek Porel and David Miller, aided by a short dust storm interruption. Miller, batting unusually at No. 8, contributed 19, while Porel top-scored with a resilient 30 off 33 balls. Their efforts helped DC avoid the ignominy of the lowest IPL total, pushing the score past 49 before being bowled out for 75. In response, RCB chased down the target with ruthless efficiency. Devdutt Padikkal and Jacob Bethell provided a brisk start, racing to 65 for 1 inside the powerplay. Virat Kohli then sealed the win in style with consecutive sixes, also becoming the first player to cross 9000 IPL runs. RCB completed the chase with nine wickets in hand and a remarkable 81 balls to spare, significantly boosting their net run rate and closing the gap on table-toppers Punjab Kings to just one point. The match will be remembered for Delhi’s dramatic collapse—an extraordinary passage of play that resembled a seaming Test session more than a T20 contest.

Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) pacer Mohsin Khan delivered a standout performance in a dramatic IPL 2026 clash against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), even as his side ended up on the losing side after a tense Super Over finish. In a match marked by fluctuating momentum and key errors from both teams, Mohsin emerged as the defining performer. The left-arm seamer claimed the first five-wicket haul of the season, finishing with remarkable figures of 4-1-23-5. His spell dismantled KKR’s batting lineup, reducing them to 73 for 6 at one stage and putting LSG firmly in control. Speaking during the mid-innings break, former West Indies all-rounder Carlos Brathwaite praised Mohsin’s disciplined approach. He highlighted the bowler’s consistency in hitting the right lengths and his ability to extract bounce when needed, describing his method as both simple and effective. Mohsin made an immediate impact, starting with a wicket-maiden and striking again in the powerplay. He continued his aggressive approach through the middle overs, including the key dismissal of Cameron Green, who scored 34 off 21 balls. LSG captain Rishabh Pant showed faith in Mohsin by bringing him back for an attacking spell in the 11th over, which resulted in a crucial double-wicket burst. Despite his brilliance, the game slipped away from LSG due to late setbacks and questionable decisions, eventually leading to a Super Over where KKR clinched victory. Former India batting coach Sanjay Bangar emphasized the significance of Mohsin’s performance, noting that India lacks depth in quality left-arm seam options. He pointed out that Mohsin’s ability to generate extra bounce and deliver a “heavy ball” makes him a rare and valuable asset. Bangar added that national selectors would be closely monitoring Mohsin, especially as India continues to search for reliable left-arm pace bowlers. Injuries have hindered Mohsin’s progress since his impressive debut IPL season in 2022, where he took 14 wickets in nine matches at an economy rate of 5.96. He missed the previous season entirely. With LSG heading into a short break, they will next face Mumbai Indians on May 4 at the Wankhede Stadium. Meanwhile, Mohsin Khan’s performance has firmly placed him back in the spotlight as a potential contender for higher honours.

A fiery spell from Kagiso Rabada and a composed yet explosive knock by Sai Sudharsan guided Gujarat Titans (GT) to a convincing eight-wicket victory over Chennai Super Kings (CSK), lifting them to fifth place on the points table while CSK slipped to sixth. Pace Attack Dismantles CSK Early The match at Chepauk began with a surprising twist. At the toss, CSK captain Ruturaj Gaikwad suggested the pitch might favor spin later, but the conditions instead proved ideal for pace and bounce. GT capitalized brilliantly, deploying Rabada and Mohammed Siraj throughout the powerplay. CSK struggled to handle the intensity, slumping to 28 for 3—their third-lowest powerplay score this season. Rabada, fired up after conceding early boundaries to Sanju Samson, responded emphatically by claiming two wickets in his next over, including Samson’s dismissal. He finished with outstanding figures of 3 for 25, while Siraj and Jason Holder maintained tight control, conceding at less than a run per ball. Despite the absence of Prasidh Krishna, GT’s pace unit dominated proceedings. CSK went 31 balls without a boundary and took 11.6 overs to reach 50—one of their slowest efforts in IPL history. Gaikwad’s Lone Resistance Amid the collapse, Gaikwad stood firm, anchoring the innings with a patient 74 out of CSK’s total of 158. However, his cautious approach included 30 dot balls, reflecting the pressure exerted by GT’s bowlers as wickets continued to fall at the other end. GT’s spinners had an off day, conceding 43 runs in four overs, with Rashid Khan going for 21 runs in just one over. Nevertheless, the damage had already been done by the seamers. Sudharsan Leads Clinical Chase Chasing 159 in challenging conditions and under intense heat, GT approached the target with composure. Captain Shubman Gill opted to bowl first despite weather warnings, a decision that ultimately paid off. Sudharsan once again starred with the bat, following up his previous century with a fluent 87 off 46 balls, including seven sixes. His innings ensured GT stayed well ahead of the required rate. In contrast, CSK had managed just six sixes in their entire innings. GT raced to 100 faster than CSK had reached 50 earlier in the match, underlining the gulf in momentum. Their disciplined chase left little room for error and sealed the outcome comfortably. Crowd Energy Fades at Chepauk A crowd of over 31,000 at Chepauk initially rallied behind CSK, cheering milestones despite the slow scoring. The arrival of Dewald Brevis drew loud applause, though his modest returns this season have yet to match expectations. Even in the absence of MS Dhoni, his iconic voice echoed through the stadium speakers urging fans to “start the whistles,” keeping spirits alive. However, as GT tightened their grip on the chase, belief among the home crowd began to fade, with many heading for the exits by the 14th over. Conclusion GT’s clinical performance, led by Rabada’s incisive bowling and Sudharsan’s commanding batting, highlighted their ability to adapt to conditions and execute plans effectively. For CSK, early setbacks and an inability to accelerate proved costly in a match where momentum never swung in their favor.

In a stunning turnaround on Saturday, Punjab Kings (PBKS) pulled off the highest successful run chase in T20 history, hunting down a massive 264 against Delhi Capitals (DC) with seven balls to spare. The foundation for this remarkable victory was laid in a blistering powerplay, where Prabhsimran Singh and Priyansh Arya hammered 116 runs in the first six overs—marking the second-highest powerplay total in IPL history. Their aggressive start reduced the required run rate dramatically, putting PBKS firmly in control early in the chase. Speaking on a post-match show, former West Indies all-rounder Carlos Brathwaite criticized DC’s bowling approach, suggesting a lack of proactiveness during the crucial early overs. DC captain Axar Patel opted to open the bowling with Auqib Nabi and Mukesh Kumar, who together conceded 87 runs in five overs at an expensive rate. Axar himself gave away 20 runs in his only powerplay over. In contrast, T Natarajan was economical, conceding just nine runs in his lone over during the powerplay, while star spinner Kuldeep Yadav was introduced only in the eighth over—by which time PBKS had already surged to 127. Brathwaite argued that DC should have deployed their stronger bowlers earlier to contain the scoring. He suggested that using Natarajan and Kuldeep for at least half of the powerplay overs could have limited PBKS to around 65, significantly increasing the pressure during the chase. The explosive opening also allowed Shreyas Iyer to settle in comfortably at No. 4. With the required rate already under control, Iyer paced his innings smartly, finishing unbeaten on 71 off 36 balls and steering PBKS to victory. Former India wicketkeeper-batter Deep Dasgupta praised the PBKS openers, emphasizing their technique over brute force. He noted that their innings was built on classical cricket shots rather than reckless hitting, making their dominance look effortless. Brathwaite further highlighted Prabhsimran’s adaptability, pointing out his ability to anticipate bowlers’ variations and respond with a wide range of scoring options. This versatility, he said, put DC’s bowlers under immense pressure and left them second-guessing their plans. Ultimately, DC’s inability to control the powerplay proved decisive, as PBKS capitalized on the early momentum to script a historic chase.

Chattogram is set to host an intriguing contest on Monday as Bangladesh return to T20I cricket after a 146-day gap, taking on a heavily depleted New Zealand side missing most of its first-choice players due to franchise commitments. Bangladesh Begin Another Rebuild Under captain Litton Das, Bangladesh are effectively starting over in the shortest format. Despite an intense buildup last year—where they played 30 T20Is and secured bilateral series wins against Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Afghanistan—their momentum was halted when they did not participate in the T20 World Cup. That absence has reset their cycle, forcing the team to begin preparations anew for the next global tournament. Encouragingly, Litton enters the series in form, having recently scored a long-awaited half-century. Young opener Tanzid Hasan has also shown promise, while Saif Hassan impressed with a fifty in the preceding ODI series. However, questions remain in the middle order. Towhid Hridoy has faced scrutiny over his approach, Parvez Hossain is returning from injury, and Shamim Hossain may lack match sharpness. The bowling unit also has a fresh look. With experienced seamers like Shoriful Islam, Mohammad Saifuddin, and Tanzim Hasan leading the attack, Bangladesh are expected to rely less on newcomers early in the series. Spin duties will fall on Mahedi Hasan and Rishad Hossain. New Zealand’s Unfamiliar Line-Up New Zealand arrive with one of their most inexperienced T20I squads in recent memory. With several senior players engaged in leagues like the Indian Premier League and the Pakistan Super League, the visitors are without seven regulars, including captain Mitchell Santner. Veteran wicketkeeper-batter Tom Latham leads the side, with Ish Sodhi the only member from their previous T20 World Cup squad. Despite the inexperience, some players carry momentum from the ODI series. Dean Foxcroft stood out with a powerful innings featuring seven sixes, while Nick Kelly and Nathan Smith also contributed significantly. Foxcroft, in particular, will be one to watch, given his familiarity with local conditions and his ability to accelerate in the middle overs. Meanwhile, Katene Clarke brings a reputation for aggressive batting, drawing comparisons to explosive opener Finn Allen. Conditions and Key Numbers The match will be played at the Bir Sreshtho Flight Lieutenant Matiur Rahman Stadium, where conditions typically favor batting. The average first-innings score in day T20Is here is 163, with results evenly split between teams batting first and second in recent matches. Historically, Bangladesh have performed well at this venue, winning four of five day T20Is played in Chattogram. A Contest of Unknowns With Bangladesh restarting their T20I journey and New Zealand fielding a largely unfamiliar side, the opening match promises unpredictability. While Bangladesh will look to reestablish their rhythm, New Zealand’s fresh faces have an opportunity to make a mark on the international stage.