India batter Harleen Deol has joined defending champions Barbados Tridents for the remainder of the 2026 Women's Caribbean Premier League (WCPL), strengthening their overseas contingent for the tournament. Deol, who is currently not part of India's senior or India A squads, has linked up with the Tridents in Barbados and will remain available for the team until the conclusion of the competition. She becomes the side's fifth overseas player. Her addition takes the number of Indian players competing in the WCPL to five, accounting for a quarter of the tournament's 20 overseas slots. Deol brings international and WPL experience The 26-year-old has represented India in 28 T20Is, scoring 311 runs in 20 innings at a strike rate of 92.01. Her most recent international appearance came against Australia in March this year. At franchise level, Deol has featured in the Women's Premier League for both Gujarat Giants and UP Warriorz. She has accumulated 649 runs in 28 WPL matches, striking at 115.68. Her experience adds further batting depth to a Barbados Tridents squad that already includes Indian players Kiran Navgire and Pooja Vastrakar among its overseas contingent. The other Indian players competing in the WCPL this season are Shikha Pandey and Yastika Bhatia, both of whom represent Trinbago Knight Riders. Tridents looking to bounce back Barbados Tridents have played just one match so far in the 2026 WCPL, suffering a 21-run defeat to Trinbago Knight Riders in the tournament opener on September 5. The opening fixture featured notable contributions from three Indian players. Shikha Pandey impressed with figures of 3 for 17, while Yastika Bhatia scored 35 off 28 balls for the Knight Riders. Tridents batter Kiran Navgire also made an impact with a quick 28 off 21 deliveries. With Deol now joining the squad, the defending champions will hope to strengthen their campaign as they look to recover from their opening defeat. Barbados Tridents are scheduled to face Jamaica Empress on Saturday before taking on Guyana Amazon Warriors on Sunday. Deol's availability gives the champions another experienced batting option as they look to make their push for another WCPL title.

Devdutt Padikkal is relishing the opportunity to lead India A for the first time and believes the added responsibility of captaincy can help take his batting to another level when India A face Australia A in the upcoming four-day matches in Puducherry. Padikkal has already gained valuable leadership experience with Karnataka. He took over as the team's Ranji Trophy captain from Mayank Agarwal during the 2025-26 season and immediately showed that the additional responsibility would not affect his batting. In Karnataka's final league-stage match against Punjab in Mohali, Padikkal smashed an unbeaten 120 off just 85 balls in the fourth innings to help his team chase down 250 in only 28 overs. He followed that with a career-best 232 against Uttarakhand in the semi-final in Lucknow, earning Player-of-the-Match honours while leading the side. Speaking after the Duleep Trophy final at Chepauk on Thursday, Padikkal said he is looking forward to bringing his domestic leadership experience into the India A setup. "Definitely, it's a great opportunity to be the captain of India A side. I'm looking forward to it. I think leadership is something that I really enjoy doing, especially starting off with Karnataka last year. It was a great learning curve for me, so I'm really looking forward to carrying that experience to India A set-up as well." Padikkal also believes captaincy complements his approach as a batter because his primary objective remains helping his team win. "Captaincy is just an added responsibility to go out there and make sure that I'm helping the side. I've always played cricket that way. I've always wanted to make sure that the team wins. As a captain, that's your sole focus. You want to make the team win. That just helps my batting even further." B Sai Sudharsan, whom Padikkal replaced during India's two-Test series in Sri Lanka, has returned to full fitness and will serve as his deputy for the Australia A series. With competition for places in India's Test side intense, Padikkal said his focus remains on scoring runs rather than worrying about selection battles. "I think there's always been tough competition for spots in Indian cricket. I think it's never really come down and it's always going to be the same. It's important that we don't focus too much on that and just continue to enjoy my batting. As long as I'm scoring runs, I'm happy." Padikkal backs his back-foot approach Padikkal has developed a distinctive method against spin, often playing even fuller deliveries off the back foot. Sai Sudharsan has also successfully employed a similar approach. Padikkal does not consider the technique a weakness, saying it is something he has used throughout his career."I think that [playing off the back foot] comes naturally to me. I think that's a technical thing that some batsmen prefer to play more on the back foot. For me personally, I don't see it as a risk and it's part of my game." The left-hander acknowledged that every batter has aspects of their technique that opponents can attempt to exploit, but believes adapting to those challenges is part of the game."There will be things in your game that you have to make sure that you are not letting them expose it. I think you have to keep working on it, keep trying and make sure that those small shortcomings that you may have... you have to make sure how you can adapt with it and manage that as well." Padikkal's recent rise back into India's Test setup has been built on strong performances in domestic cricket. He scored centuries in Galle and Colombo before narrowly missing out on a third consecutive first-class hundred when he was dismissed for 62 by Mukesh Kumar in the Duleep Trophy final. He also spent long periods in the slip cordon as East Zone accumulated more than 1,000 runs across their two innings before securing the Duleep Trophy title on the basis of their first-innings lead. For Padikkal, the journey underlines the importance and intensity of India's domestic system."It takes a lot of hard work to go through the domestic grind. There's a lot of high-quality cricket going on in the domestic circuit. I think it's not always noticed, but you can see that." He highlighted the demanding Ranji Trophy schedule, where teams play around 11 matches to reach the final, as evidence of the commitment required from domestic players "You play almost 11 games a year in the Ranji Trophy to get to the finals. So, doing that is not very easy and it takes a lot of effort and a lot of commitment to what you're doing." With the opportunity to lead India A now ahead of him, Padikkal hopes his domestic experience will help him continue his progress toward becoming a regular member of India's senior side.

Mehidy Hasan Miraz delivered a match-winning spell as Guyana Amazon Warriors defeated Trinbago Knight Riders by six wickets in their Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2026 clash in Providence on Friday. The victory was Amazon Warriors’ eighth win in nine matches this season and their 100th victory in CPL history, further strengthening their position at the top of the points table. After winning the toss and opting to field, Amazon Warriors were inspired by Mehidy, who produced a brilliant four-wicket performance. The Bangladesh all-rounder struck twice in the fifth over, dismissing Colin Munro and Nicholas Pooran off consecutive deliveries. Mehidy eventually finished with impressive figures of 4 for 23 from four overs. The match was only his second appearance for Amazon Warriors after joining the side as a replacement for Mohammad Nabi. He has already made a significant impact, claiming seven wickets for just 36 runs across his two games. Knight Riders made a brisk start, reaching 43 for 2 during the powerplay, but their innings lost momentum as wickets fell at regular intervals. Justin Greaves top-scored with 35 off 37 deliveries, while Munro contributed a quick 26 from 16 balls. Trinbago Knight Riders eventually finished on a modest 126 for 8 from their 20 overs. Amazon Warriors approached the chase with composure. They lost Mavendra Dindyal and Glenn Phillips within the first seven overs, but Shai Hope anchored the innings with a controlled unbeaten knock. Hope put the chase firmly on track in partnership with Shimron Hetmyer. The pair added 51 runs, with Hetmyer entertaining the crowd with three sixes during his 28 off 19 balls. Hetmyer was dismissed in the 13th over, while Mehidy was removed for just two runs. However, Hope remained unbeaten and guided Amazon Warriors across the finish line alongside Quentin Sampson. The Warriors reached their target in 18.4 overs, completing a comfortable six-wicket victory. The defeat was another setback for the defending champions, with Trinbago Knight Riders suffering their seventh loss of the season and ending their campaign at the bottom of the CPL 2026 standings. Meanwhile, veteran Kieron Pollard moved closer to another historic milestone. Pollard scored 10 runs in the final over before being dismissed, taking his career tally to 14,999 runs in men's T20 cricket. He now needs just one more run to become the first batter in men's T20 history to reach the landmark of 15,000 runs.

South Africa defeated Zimbabwe by nine wickets after a dominant bowling display reduced the hosts to 12 for 4 inside the opening four overs, before Anneke Bosch's career-best 83 guided the visitors comfortably to their target in the first T20I between the two sides. Zimbabwe, asked to bat first, struggled immediately against South Africa's young bowling attack. Nthabiseng Nini marked her 21st birthday celebrations with a remarkable international debut spell, becoming only the second South African to take a wicket with her first international delivery after Chloe Tryon. Nini dismissed Nyasha Gwanzura after the batter edged a wide delivery through to the wicketkeeper. She struck again later in the same over when Kelis Ndhlovu played the ball onto her stumps. Nini continued her remarkable start in her next over, dismissing Loreen Tshuma after another edge, giving the youngster three wickets in the space of just two overs. In between Nini's breakthroughs, Eliz-Mari Marx removed Sharne Mayers as Zimbabwe slipped to 12 for 4. With Zimbabwe in danger of being bowled out for a very low total, Modester Mupachikwa and Beloved Biza began the recovery. The pair added 35 runs from 22 deliveries for the fifth wicket to give Zimbabwe some much-needed momentum. Mupachikwa then combined with Michelle Mavunga to take Zimbabwe closer to a respectable total. When Mavunga was caught by Laura Wolvaardt in the covers, Zimbabwe were still only 81 for 7 and 19 runs short of 100. Nomvelo Sibanda helped push the total beyond three figures before Zimbabwe eventually finished on 116, recovering significantly from their disastrous start. South Africa's chase began with an early setback when offspinner Nyasha Gwanzura opened the bowling with a maiden and then produced a major breakthrough. Laura Wolvaardt, attempting to attack, hit the ball straight to Lindokuhle Mabhero. Gwanzura had already claimed the wicket of New Zealand captain Melie Kerr in her career, but dismissing Wolvaardt will arguably rank among her most notable T20I scalps. However, Zimbabwe could not build on the breakthrough. Anneke Bosch took control of the chase, sharing a match-winning 68-run second-wicket partnership with Nondumiso Shangase. Promoted to No. 3, Shangase looked composed during her 18 off 22 balls before she was dismissed by Tshuma, skying a catch that Kelis Ndhlovu judged well. Faye Tunnicliffe then fell for a disappointing dismissal when she played a loose shot against Michelle Mavunga and was bowled. Bosch remained the dominant figure throughout the chase, producing a career-best 83 and recording her first T20I half-century since the 2024 World Cup semi-final against Australia. She was dismissed lbw with South Africa needing just one run for victory after attempting a reverse-scoop. The match was then completed by a wide from Christine Mutasa in the 14th over. South Africa's young bowling attack had set up the victory with an outstanding opening spell, while Bosch ensured there was no late drama in the chase. For Zimbabwe, the match provided valuable experience under new head coach Mark Coles, who used eight different bowlers during his first game in charge. Although the hosts showed character to recover from 12 for 4 and reach 116, the heavy defeat highlighted the areas the developing side still needs to improve.

Gloucestershire secured their second consecutive Rothesay County Championship victory after defeating Lancashire by 105 runs in a low-scoring Division Two encounter. The result was particularly significant in the battle between the bottom two teams in Division Two. Gloucestershire moved to 82 points, while Lancashire remain on 100 points, 18 ahead of their opponents. Lancashire began the final day on 120 for 6, requiring another 128 runs for victory. However, Gloucestershire struck almost immediately. George Balderson edged the third ball of the morning from JT Langridge to Ollie Price at second slip, bringing the visitors closer to victory. Noman Ali briefly raised hopes of a Lancashire fightback when he struck R Sai Kishore for six into the vacant party stand. But Langridge soon had the breakthrough, trapping Ali lbw for 9. Mitch Stanley followed shortly afterwards, offering a bat-and-pad catch to Kamran Dhariwal at silly mid-off from Sai Kishore. With Lancashire's hopes resting on Rocky Flintoff, the young batter produced an impressive resistance. Flintoff scored a career-best 65, but his innings finally came to an end when he hit Langridge to long-off. Langridge finished with outstanding figures of 5 for 51, securing victory for Gloucestershire in only his second first-class appearance. The match was dominated by the bowlers, with both teams struggling to build substantial totals. Gloucestershire, however, proved more effective in the crucial moments. Their bowlers reduced Lancashire to 40 for 5 in the first innings and 64 for 5 in the second. Their lower order also made important contributions with the bat. Daaryoush Ahmed and Sai Kishore shared a 52-run seventh-wicket partnership in the first innings, while Kamran Dhariwal and Matt Taylor added 70 for the ninth wicket in the second. Dhariwal, making his first-class debut, played a crucial role with a valuable 66, helping Gloucestershire set Lancashire a challenging target despite the low-scoring nature of the contest. Will Williams also played a major role for Gloucestershire, claiming 6 for 24 in Lancashire's first innings on his return to Old Trafford after moving from Lancashire to the south-west. For Lancashire, Balderson was one of the few consistent performers. He claimed eight wickets across the match, while also contributing 38 with the bat in the first innings. Despite Flintoff's determined 65 on the final day, Lancashire were eventually dismissed for 142, leaving Gloucestershire with a convincing 105-run victory. Lancashire will now travel to Canterbury to face promotion-chasing Kent, while Gloucestershire return home to Bristol to take on Middlesex.

 Japan captain Kendel Kadowaki-Fleming believes the upcoming one-off T20I against India could mark the beginning of a new chapter for cricket in the country. India are set to travel to Japan for the first men’s international cricket match between the two nations, with the historic T20I scheduled to be played in Sano on September 22. For Japan, however, the occasion is about more than simply making history. “As exciting as the occasion will be of playing India, we're not there to just celebrate the occasion. We're there to show what we can do as a men's team,” Kadowaki-Fleming told PTI. The Japan skipper acknowledged the strength of the Indian side, which boasts world-class players across batting, fast bowling and spin. He said the opportunity to compete against a top Full Member nation could provide valuable experience for Japanese cricket. “Obviously, a team like India have all bases covered, whether it's fast bowling, batting or spin. So it's just going to be great to be able to watch world-class players and the best team in the world in that format go about it,” he said. Kadowaki-Fleming hopes the fixture will be the first of many opportunities for Japan to compete against the world’s leading cricket nations. “Hopefully this is the first step in a long history of playing against and competing against Full-Member countries,” he added. The India-Japan fixture comes during an important period for cricket in Japan, with Afghanistan and Nepal also scheduled to play in the country. The Asian Games will further add to the cricketing spotlight, with the women’s competition beginning before the men’s event gets underway on September 24. “It’s very exciting,” Kadowaki-Fleming said. “And I think a massive development for cricket in Japan to have countries like Afghanistan and Nepal coming here is something that we probably would have thought was very difficult to manage even a couple of years ago.” Young Japan allrounder excited to face India Japan’s 17-year-old spin-bowling allrounder Charlie Hara-Hinze is also looking forward to the historic contest. He already has some experience facing Indian youngsters, having encountered players such as Ayush Mhatre and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi during the 2024 Under-19 Asia Cup. Reflecting on that experience, Hara-Hinze said the matches provided Japan’s players with an opportunity to understand the standards required at the highest level. “That was a game we definitely went into with a lot of excitement,” he said. “We got a lot out of it in terms of bowling to these guys, seeing first-hand how good they are and the standard at which they played. You had very little margin for error as well.” The teenager admitted that the prospect of India’s senior team travelling to Japan still feels surreal. “The Indian cricket team coming to Japan to face us was something that doesn't sound real to many people and still probably hasn't quite sunk in,” Hara-Hinze said. India series could help cricket break into Japan Cricket remains a niche sport in Japan, where baseball dominates the sporting landscape. Kadowaki-Fleming believes the arrival of high-profile international teams could help expose more Japanese youngsters to the game. Japan may still be some distance from producing a global cricket superstar comparable to baseball sensation Shohei Ohtani, but the captain believes the process has to start somewhere. “We're obviously a long way from producing cricket's version of Shohei Ohtani, but someone has to be the first, right,” Kadowaki-Fleming said. He added that even a small increase in interest among children watching the matches could represent a major success for the sport. “Even if a small amount of the kids that are watching cricket on TV during that time then want to go and pick up a cricket bat or sign up with a cricket club in Japan and play for the first time, then I feel like that’s a success in itself,” he said. Hara-Hinze also believes Japan has significant long-term potential as a cricketing nation, provided the sport receives greater investment in facilities and sponsorship. “Cricket, it is growing, but at a very slow rate,” he said. “I can’t see a reason why in 20-30 years, we can’t be like Nepal or Afghanistan. I think there’s definitely a potential for a very large cricketing market in Japan.” With India’s visit offering Japan a rare opportunity to share the field with one of cricket’s biggest powers, the September 22 T20I could become an important milestone—not only for the national team, but also for the future growth of the sport across Japan.

Both players were among seven cricketers removed from Pakistan's squad and sent home following the team's heavy defeat in the second Test at Lord's. They had been summoned by the NCCIA and appeared before the agency on Thursday. At least one of the players is understood to have spent several hours with investigators. One player has reportedly been given a questionnaire and asked to submit written responses to the NCCIA next week. The exact reason for the questioning remains unclear, and it is not yet known whether the investigation is connected to the Pakistan Cricket Board's (PCB) separate internal disciplinary inquiry. PCB Conducts Separate Inquiry Earlier this week, the PCB announced that it had launched an internal disciplinary investigation following media reports concerning discipline and conduct. The board did not identify any players but said the matter was being reviewed internally under PCB regulations. The developments come after Pakistan's disappointing Test campaign in England. Pakistan lost the first Test by an innings and 103 runs before suffering a 194-run defeat at Lord's. Following the second Test, seven players, along with head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul, were removed from the squad. Seven replacements were subsequently sent to England, with five of them yet to make their international debuts. Rizwan's Form Under Scrutiny Rizwan's batting form was a concern throughout the England tour. The wicketkeeper-batter scored 12, 41, 7 and 1 in his four innings, following similarly modest returns during Pakistan's two-Test series in the Caribbean. His wicketkeeping, however, remained highly regarded. Until the West Indies series, Rizwan had been Pakistan's leading Test run-scorer since January 2024. His dismissal for just one run in the second innings at Lord's, when he attempted an awkward shot, drew significant criticism amid Pakistan's disappointing performance. Questions Over Imam's Injury Imam-ul-Haq's situation also attracted attention during the Lord's Test. The opening batter was diagnosed with a Grade 1 tear in his left calf after the first day's play and did not take part in either of Pakistan's innings. On the final morning, Imam attempted some light batting during the team's warm-up but appeared to struggle physically. Pakistan's chief selector and director of high performance, Aaqib Javed, publicly questioned the nature of Imam's injury at the time and indicated that the matter could be investigated. PCB Chairman Hints at Wider Issues PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi, while defending the decision to make sweeping changes to the squad, suggested that factors beyond on-field performances had influenced the move. "We have had a discussion to ascertain the reasons behind it. They include factors beyond performance and we will get to the bottom of it," Naqvi said. The PCB also issued a notice to its selectors following the Lord's Test, seeking written explanations for the selection of Rizwan and Imam for both the West Indies and England tours. The selectors were asked to explain the reasons for their selections and outline the process through which the decisions had been made within 24 hours of receiving the notice. The upheaval also resulted in former Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq resigning from his position as a selector following the squad changes. With the NCCIA questioning now added to the PCB's internal inquiry, the controversy surrounding Pakistan cricket's England tour continues to unfold.

India secured their place in the final with a convincing 40-run victory over Bangladesh, with Deepti once again playing a starring role with the ball. The all-rounder claimed three wickets for 26 runs and has now become the tournament's leading wicket-taker with 11 dismissals. With Pakistan and defending champions Sri Lanka set to battle for the other final spot, the possibility of another high-profile India-Pakistan final is firmly alive. However, Deepti said India's approach would remain the same regardless of their opponents. "Doesn't matter, like maybe Sri Lanka, Pakistan, whoever comes in the final," Deepti said after India's semi-final win. "We always think as a team how we can do better in each and every game." India to Study Second Semi-Final Deepti revealed that the Indian team would watch the Pakistan-Sri Lanka semi-final before developing their strategy for the title clash. "After this game, we'll sit together tomorrow and we will see tomorrow's game. That will help us to do more strategy towards the finals," she said. India have been unbeaten throughout the tournament and have already defeated Pakistan in the competition. In that match, India bowled Pakistan out for just 55 before chasing down the target with 68 balls remaining. Deepti also played an important role in that victory, taking two wickets. Deepti Enjoys All-Round Contribution Although her bowling has been the highlight of the tournament, Deepti also made a useful contribution with the bat against Bangladesh. She scored an unbeaten 13 from six deliveries, including a four and a six. The experienced all-rounder said contributing in both departments has always been an important part of her game. "Actually, when I started my cricket journey, it was as an all-rounder, so it always helped from the starting only," she said. "Whenever I get an opportunity in batting, I always trust that I can contribute in batting also. So I'm glad about the few balls I got to hit today. It always gives me confidence." Deepti added that she is comfortable whether India bat or bowl first, stressing that her priority is to contribute in whichever department the team needs. Fielding Remains a Concern for India Despite their unbeaten run, India still have an area that needs improvement ahead of the final — their fielding. India dropped four catches during the semi-final against Bangladesh, continuing a worrying trend that could prove costly in a tight final. Deepti, however, backed her teammates and said the squad has been working hard on its catching and fielding during training. "As a team in fielding, we have been doing good work in training. We are doing practice sessions taking a number of catches as well as fielding also," she said. "I think that it will be a day here or a day there, it happens. But we are always up for the finals as a team in all three departments." India will now wait to discover whether Pakistan or defending champions Sri Lanka will stand between them and the Women's T20 Asia Cup title.

Chris Green starred with a superb four-wicket haul as the Tridents successfully chased down a modest target in their latest Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2026 encounter on Thursday. The victory took Barbados to eight points from eight matches, while the defeat left the Patriots in sixth place. Patriots Collapse After Early Setbacks Put in to bat first, St Kitts and Nevis Patriots endured a disastrous start, slipping to 6 for 3 early in their innings. Johnson Charles, Kyle Mayers and Andre Fletcher failed to make an impact, with Green claiming two of the early wickets. Alick Athanaze and Jason Holder attempted to steady the innings, but Green continued to trouble the Patriots' batting line-up. He dismissed Athanaze before removing Dasun Shanaka, leaving the Patriots under severe pressure. The situation worsened when Holder was dismissed in the 12th over, reducing the Patriots to 51 for 6. However, Wanindu Hasaranga launched a counter-attacking innings to give his side some hope. The Sri Lankan all-rounder smashed 45 off just 25 balls, hitting four fours and three sixes. Jeremiah Louis added a quick 12 from eight deliveries as the Patriots reached 118 before being bowled out from the final ball of the innings. Green finished with outstanding figures of 4 for 20 from four overs. He also contributed two catches, earning the Player-of-the-Match award for his all-round performance. Tridents Recover After Early Wickets Chasing 119, Barbados Tridents also found themselves in trouble early. Brandon King was dismissed in the opening over, while Rivaldo Clarke soon followed. Daniel Sams then became Zachary Carter's third wicket, leaving the Tridents struggling at 27 for 3. Quinton de Kock provided the stability his team needed. The South African wicketkeeper-batter remained unbeaten on 44 from 43 balls, anchoring the chase through the difficult middle overs. Shadrack Descarte contributed 19, while Sherfane Rutherford provided an aggressive boost with 23 from just 17 deliveries. Daniel Sams eventually sealed the victory, finishing unbeaten on nine from four balls as the Tridents reached their target with four wickets in hand. Green’s All-Round Display Proves Decisive Jason Holder was the Patriots' standout bowler, claiming three wickets, while Naseem Shah picked up two. However, the damage caused by the Patriots' batting collapse proved too difficult to overcome. Green's four-wicket spell and two catches played a central role in restricting the Patriots to 118, before de Kock and the Tridents' middle order guided Barbados home. The four-wicket win not only boosted the Tridents' hopes in CPL 2026 but also lifted them off the bottom of the standings and into fourth place.

Mohammed Shami marked his 100th first-class appearance with a match-winning performance for East Zone in the Duleep Trophy final, but the milestone did little to diminish the fast bowler's hunger to keep competing at the highest level. At 36, Shami remains determined to continue pushing himself and believes motivation comes from constantly looking towards the next challenge. "No matter what stage you're playing at, your eyes must always be set on the next level," Shami said after the final day of the Duleep Trophy final in Chennai. Shami last represented India in the 2025 Champions Trophy final and has not played a Test for the country since the 2023 World Test Championship final. His latest performance, however, showed that his bowling skills remain highly effective, particularly in demanding conditions. "There are plenty of reasons to stay motivated if you look for them," Shami said. "You can take positivity from this ground or any ground you step onto. At this level, if you aren't self-motivated, your approach is wrong." The veteran pacer also spoke about the importance of playing for the team and wearing the India badge with pride. "I always say this: you play for the badge. When you wear that crest on your chest, the level of cricket doesn't matter," he said. "My mindset is simple: whichever level I get an opportunity to play, I want to make it count and fulfil my responsibility towards the team." Shami Makes an Impact in Chepauk Playing at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, where conditions largely favoured the batters, Shami found ways to influence the game. He generated conventional swing with the new ball and extracted reverse swing once the ball became older. His ability to hit the deck harder than South Zone's bowlers proved equally important. Shami shared five wickets with Mukesh Kumar as East Zone bowled South Zone out for 336. The effort gave East a substantial first-innings advantage and ultimately played a decisive role in their title triumph. Shami credited his ability to adapt and keep learning for his success. "I'm always learning and I look to keep learning," he said. "In conditions like these, you can't expect much conventional swing, and the bounce was quite low. I trust my line and length completely, and that's where I try to create wickets from." He also highlighted the importance of reverse swing in hot conditions. "And honestly, if you can't exploit reverse-swing in this kind of heat, what's the point?" he said with a laugh. Tactical Plan Behind Rasheed's Dismissal One of Shami's most impressive moments came when he dismissed top-order batter Shaik Rasheed. The fast bowler explained that the dismissal was the result of a deliberate plan rather than a moment of inspiration. "If top-order batters are set, you cannot get them out without a plan. Wickets don't just happen out of nowhere, especially on pitches like this," Shami explained. "The plan was to keep taking the ball away from him, build that expectation, and then reverse one back in sharply to trap him." The wicket also produced one of the lighter moments of the match. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who briefly took over as captain when Ishan Kishan was off the field on day four, was so delighted with the dismissal that he jumped onto Shami and rode piggyback on the experienced fast bowler. Shami Praises 15-Year-Old Sooryavanshi Shami revealed that the 15-year-old frequently jokes around with him, but he sees the youngster's confidence and openness as positive qualities. "He loves pulling my leg! I usually tease him back by saying he isn't even as old as my cricket career," Shami said. "But he constantly banters with me, and that's great to see. Being able to open up, mingle freely, and build camaraderie will serve him well going forward." Shami also believes that today's young cricketers require less traditional coaching because they are exposed to high-pressure environments at an early age through tournaments such as the IPL. "Most of these youngsters are already quite mature. With the level of cricket they play today, in the IPL and other high-pressure tournaments, maturity comes early, so you don't need to over-coach them," he said. However, the veteran added that experienced players and coaches still have an important role to play when matches enter decisive phases. "When the game gets tight and challenging, that's when you step in with tactical inputs and remind them to keep fighting," Shami said. For Shami, the 100th first-class game was therefore more than a landmark. It was another opportunity to compete, contribute and keep looking ahead — a mindset that suggests his cricketing journey is far from over.