The race for the Orange and Purple Caps in IPL 2026 has taken a distinctive turn after Match No. 16, with Rajasthan Royals (RR) players dominating both leaderboards following their fourth consecutive win. RR cruised past Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in Guwahati on Friday night, strengthening their presence at the top. Sooryavanshi Headlines Orange Cap Standings Young opener Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has surged to the top of the Orange Cap table with 200 runs in four innings at a staggering strike rate of 266.66. His latest knock of 78 came in spectacular fashion, featuring eight fours and seven sixes, as he dismantled a bowling attack that included Josh Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar Kumar. Close behind him is his Rajasthan Royals opening partner Yashasvi Jaiswal, who has accumulated 183 runs. Despite a modest 13-run outing in the latest match, he remains firmly in contention, just 17 runs off the top spot. Completing a clean sweep of the top three for RR is Dhruv Jurel. The wicketkeeper-batter followed up his earlier 75 against Mumbai Indians with an unbeaten 81 off 43 balls, underlining his growing importance in the middle order. Delhi Capitals’ Sameer Rizvi (160 runs) and Kolkata Knight Riders’ Angkrish Raghuvanshi (155 runs) round out the top five run-scorers so far in the tournament. Bishnoi Leads Purple Cap Charge Rajasthan Royals’ dominance extends to the bowling charts as well, with Ravi Bishnoi leading the Purple Cap race. The leg-spinner has claimed nine wickets in four matches, including a recent two-wicket haul that solidified his position at the top. His performances mark a strong comeback after a relatively underwhelming IPL 2025 season. Trailing him is Gujarat Titans pacer Prasidh Krishna with six wickets. A tightly packed group follows, with several bowlers tied on five wickets each. This includes Punjab Kings’ Vijaykumar Vyshak, Gujarat Titans’ Rashid Khan, Delhi Capitals’ Lungi Ngidi, Lucknow Super Giants’ Prince Yadav, RCB’s Jacob Duffy, Kolkata Knight Riders’ Vaibhav Arora, Chennai Super Kings’ Anshul Kamboj, and Rajasthan Royals duo Jofra Archer and Nandre Burger. With Rajasthan Royals players leading both charts, the early stages of IPL 2026 have clearly been dominated by the franchise, setting the tone for what promises to be a competitive season ahead.

Bangladesh have named an unchanged 15-member squad for the opening two ODIs against New Zealand, sticking with the side that secured a 2-1 series victory over Pakistan at home last month. The matches are scheduled to be played in Dhaka on April 17 and 20, while the third ODI will take place in Chattogram on April 23. The squad will continue to be led by Mehidy Hasan Miraz, as previously announced. Despite the recent series win, there remain concerns over the form of Saif Hassan and Afif Hossain, both of whom struggled during the Pakistan series. Saif averaged 17.33, while Afif managed 19.00 across three innings each. In a notable decision, the selectors have opted to retain the same pace attack of Nahid Rana, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, and Shoriful Islam. This marks a shift from Bangladesh’s recent approach of rotating fast bowlers frequently. Five members of the squad—Nahid Rana, Mustafizur Rahman, Shoriful Islam, Rishad Hossain, and Tanzid Hasan—are currently participating in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2026. They are expected to rejoin the national team on April 12 ahead of the ODI series. Among them, only Mustafizur Rahman is likely to return to the PSL after the conclusion of the ODI matches. Following the ODI series, Bangladesh and New Zealand are set to face off in a three-match T20I series. Bangladesh ODI Squad: Mehidy Hasan Miraz (captain), Soumya Sarkar, Saif Hassan, Tanzid Hasan, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Towhid Hridoy, Litton Das (wicketkeeper), Afif Hossain, Mahidul Islam, Rishad Hossain, Tanvir Islam, Mustafizur Rahman, Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam, Nahid Rana.

George Linde has been signed by Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) as a replacement for Wanindu Hasaranga ahead of the IPL 2026 season. The South African allrounder, known for his left-arm spin and lower-order hitting, joins the franchise at his base price of INR 1 crore. This will mark Linde’s maiden appearance in the Indian Premier League, adding a new dimension to LSG’s squad composition. Linde brings considerable experience in the T20 format, having played 37 T20 Internationals alongside appearances in three Tests and four ODIs for South Africa. Over the course of his T20 career, he has featured in 250 matches, claiming 218 wickets at an economy rate of 7.42. With the bat, he has scored 2,746 runs at a strike rate of 136.68, making him a valuable utility player. In the past year, Linde has been active across multiple global T20 leagues, including SA20, The Hundred, Major League Cricket, and the Pakistan Super League, showcasing his versatility in different conditions. At LSG, he is expected to strengthen the lower order, likely providing depth around the No. 8 position. Hasaranga, who was earlier signed by LSG for INR 2 crore, was ruled out after suffering a left hamstring tear during Sri Lanka’s opening match at the T20 World Cup in February. The injury prevented him from joining the squad for the ongoing season. LSG began their campaign with a defeat against Delhi Capitals but bounced back with two narrow victories, moving up to fifth place on the points table. They are set to face Gujarat Titans in their next match on Sunday in Lucknow. The inclusion of Linde is expected to bolster LSG’s balance as they aim to build momentum in the tournament.

Anika Learoyd delivered a commanding performance in the three-day Green vs Gold match, finishing unbeaten across both innings and leading the Gold side to a convincing 148-run victory in Sydney. The New South Wales batter amassed a remarkable 210 runs in the match without being dismissed. She anchored the first innings with a superb 142 not out off 176 balls, before following it up with an unbeaten 68 in the second innings, underlining her growing stature in the domestic circuit. Learoyd’s first-innings knock proved particularly crucial as Gold found themselves struggling at 112 for 6. She combined with 19-year-old teammate Lucy Finn to stitch together a vital 145-run partnership for the seventh wicket, rescuing the innings and shifting momentum in Gold’s favour. Another standout performer was offspinner Frankie Nicklin, who played a decisive role with the ball. Nicklin claimed eight wickets in the match, including figures of 4 for 18 in the first innings and 4 for 26 in the second, as Green were bowled out for just 107 on the final day while chasing 256. Nicklin’s first-innings spell helped Gold secure a 58-run lead, though Green showed resistance through a last-wicket stand of 64 between Hayley Silver-Holmes (53 not out) and Sophie Day (28). In their second innings, Gold stumbled early to 53 for 5 before Learoyd once again steadied the innings. She shared an unbroken 69-run partnership with Hasrat Gill, setting up a declaration that left Green with a challenging target of 256 in 60 overs. Green’s chase never gained traction, as Nicklin struck early blows, removing Emma de Broughe, Charli Knott, and Claire Moore to reduce them to 36 for 4. Fellow offspinner Lilly Mills then dismantled the middle order with three wickets, sealing Gold’s dominant win. The match also marked the return of fast bowler Tayla Vlaeminck, who played her first competitive game since October 2024. She bowled 12 overs across both innings and made an early impact, taking a wicket in just her second over. Despite recently losing her Cricket Australia central contract, Vlaeminck received strong backing from national selector Shawn Flegler, who emphasized that she remains in contention for future national selection, provided she maintains fitness and consistent match participation. The match served as an important platform for both emerging and established players, with Learoyd’s exceptional performance standing out as the defining highlight of the contest.

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.