Cricket News

Chennai Super Kings delivered a clinical masterclass to inflict a historic defeat on the Mumbai Indians, securing their largest-ever IPL victory by runs. This commanding performance was spearheaded by a magnificent unbeaten century from Sanju Samson and a devastating four-wicket spell by Akeal Hosein.

In a high-stakes encounter often dubbed the “IPL El Clasico,” the contest initially promised much but ultimately proved to be a one-sided affair as CSK dominated their rivals in every department of the game.

Samson orchestrates CSK innings with sublime century

Opting to bat first at the iconic Wankhede Stadium, the Super Kings built their total around a sensational 101* from Samson. The wicketkeeper-batter showcased a perfect blend of patience and power, expertly shifting gears as the batting lineup struggled at the other end.

Following a brisk start that saw CSK reach 73 for 2 in the powerplay, the middle order lost its way. With no other batter crossing the 22-run mark, the burden of the innings fell solely on Samson. He demonstrated great maturity, tempering his aggression to consolidate before unleashing a late-innings blitz.

His clinical finish in the death overs was the turning point. Taking advantage of the inexperienced Krish Bhagat, Samson plundered 31 runs across the 16th and 20th overs, reaching his second hundred in just seven games for the franchise with a series of boundary-clearing strikes.

Early tactical maneuvers and shifts

Mumbai Indians initially showed sharp tactical intent, as skipper Hardik Pandya quickly turned to his spin options after the pace attack proved expensive. The move paid off temporarily, resulting in the cheap dismissals of Shivam Dube and Ruturaj Gaikwad, both of whom have faced a lean patch this season.

A brief, explosive cameo from Dewald Brevis, who struck 21 off just 11 balls, threatened to reclaim the momentum for CSK before his departure. However, MI failed to keep the pressure on, allowing the game to drift away during the critical final stages of the first innings.

Hosein and spin twins dismantle Mumbai’s chase

Faced with a formidable target, the Mumbai batting order disintegrated against a relentless spin assault led by Akeal Hosein. The left-arm spinner produced exceptional figures of 4 for 17, tearing through the middle order after setting a dominant tone with a wicket-maiden during the powerplay.

Hosein, supported by Noor Ahmad, exploited the turning track with precision. Their clever use of variations and angles triggered a massive collapse, leaving the home side unable to find any rhythm.

In a dismal showing for the hosts, eight Mumbai batters were dismissed for single-figure scores. Furthermore, nine wickets fell to spin—setting a new IPL record for a single match at the Wankhede Stadium.

While Quinton de Kock showed some early defiance by taking the attack to Hosein, the resistance was short-lived. The Mumbai innings unraveled with startling speed as the batters failed to navigate the sharp turn and the rising required run rate.

High intensity leads to historic milestone

The fixture, marked by high-voltage moments—including a heated on-field confrontation between Tilak Varma and Jamie Overton—reflected the storied intensity of this legendary rivalry.

In the end, it was the Super Kings who asserted their supremacy with a flawless exhibition of cricket. Samson’s batting brilliance paired with Hosein’s surgical bowling ensured a comprehensive win that revitalizes CSK’s campaign while handing MI one of the most bruising defeats in their history.

In an effort to bolster their depleted bowling stocks, Chennai Super Kings have secured the services of Uttarakhand pacer Akash Madhwal for the remainder of the IPL 2026 season. Madhwal arrives as a replacement for the inform Ayush Mhatre, as the franchise continues to navigate a turbulent period of fitness concerns.

Mhatre, who has been the standout performer with the bat for CSK this year, saw his season cut short after a hamstring injury sustained during the April 18 fixture against Sunrisers Hyderabad. Team management confirmed that the recovery process will span between six and 12 weeks. Madhwal joins the Yellow Army at his base valuation of INR 30 lakh.

The right-arm quick first made headlines during a stellar 2023 debut season with Mumbai Indians, where he picked up 14 wickets in just eight appearances. However, reproducing that lethal form has proven difficult; he took five wickets in the 2024 edition and followed it with a lean 2025 campaign at Rajasthan Royals, where he managed just four dismissals in as many games.

After going unpicked in the IPL 2026 auction, Madhwal maintained his rhythm as a net bowler within the MI camp and also attended evaluation sessions with Kolkata Knight Riders. His career statistics currently stand at 23 wickets from 17 matches, albeit with a high economy rate of 10.05. He remains widely recognized for his historic 5-wicket haul for just 5 runs during the 2023 Eliminator against Lucknow Super Giants.

Madhwal’s inclusion comes at a critical time for a CSK squad besieged by medical setbacks. Icon and captain MS Dhoni is still recovering from a calf strain, while the pace department has lost Nathan Ellis to a hamstring tear. Though Spencer Johnson is approaching full fitness, the absence of Khaleel Ahmed due to a quadricep issue has further stretched the team’s resources.

The 2026 campaign has been a struggle for the defending giants, who currently sit in eighth position with only two victories from their opening six matches. Chennai Super Kings will travel to the Wankhede Stadium to face Mumbai Indians on April 23, desperate for a result that could reignite their push for the playoffs.

Australian pace ace Mitchell Starc has received medical clearance following a stint on the sidelines with shoulder and elbow issues. The veteran quick is scheduled to fly to India this Friday, providing a massive lift for the Delhi Capitals ahead of their next fixture. Starc is eyeing a high-stakes return to the crease for DC’s encounter with the Rajasthan Royals on May 1 in Jaipur.

The 36-year-old speedster has been out of the spotlight since late January, a result of the grueling workload endured during The Ashes. Starc was the undisputed star of that series, tearing through batting lineups to claim 31 wickets at a stunning average of 19.93 to earn Player of the Series honors. After bowling a marathon 150-plus overs in the Test arena, he briefly turned out for the Sydney Sixers in the Big Bash League before his injury setback.

The veteran’s injury occurred during a BBL clash against the Perth Scorchers when he suffered a heavy fall while diving for a catch. While a recovery window was initially planned for February, persistent discomfort during his return to training hampered his IPL arrival, sparking rumors regarding his status. Starc eventually broke his silence on the matter, expressing his annoyance at what he termed “heavily misinformed opinions” regarding his health.

Signs are now looking positive as the left-armer recently completed a week of intense, pain-free sessions back in Sydney. Upon reaching India, he will undergo a managed acclimatization process to adjust to the conditions. Provided there are no further complications, the Capitals expect him to be a fixture in their XI for the May 1 match and the remainder of the tournament.

In related news, Aussie skipper Pat Cummins is also nearing his maiden IPL 2026 appearance for Sunrisers Hyderabad, with a comeback penciled in for this Saturday—ironically also against the Royals in Jaipur. Cummins has been working his way back from a lumbar stress injury since December, having featured in just a single Test match since July 2025.

The reintegration of Starc, Cummins, and Josh Hazlewood is a pivotal development for Australian cricket, with national selectors meticulously managing the trio’s fitness ahead of a relentless calendar. The Baggy Green stars are bracing for a block of 21 Tests between August 2026 and August 2027, followed immediately by the pursuit of the ODI World Cup title.

It was a debut to remember for Cooper Connolly as his ice-cold temperament guided the Punjab Kings (PBKS) to a hard-fought victory over the Gujarat Titans (GT), finishing the chase with nearly an over in hand.

Set a manageable total, the Kings raced out of the blocks courtesy of a blistering opening stand between Prabhsimran Singh and Connolly. Yet, the match turned on its head when Prasidh Krishna’s fiery spell sparked a mid-innings implosion, reducing the home side to a precarious 121 for 6 following a flurry of wickets.

Under immense pressure, Connolly remained the calmest man in the stadium. The talented Australian all-rounder played a match-winning hand, reaching a vital fifty and receiving crucial support from the lower order duo of Marco Jansen and Xavier Bartlett to steady the ship and secure the points.

Earlier, the Titans struggled to find their rhythm with the bat. While the likes of Shubman Gill, Sai Sudharsan, and Jos Buttler all looked fluent initially, they failed to kick on. Gill (39) and Buttler (38) topped the charts, but the Gujarat innings stagnated during the crucial middle phase.

Leg-spin maestro Yuzvendra Chahal turned the tide for Punjab, snaring the vital scalps of Gill and Buttler just as they threatened to break free. Vijaykumar Vyshak complemented him perfectly, using his tactical changes of pace to dismantle the lower-middle order, accounting for Glenn Phillips, Washington Sundar, and Shahrukh Khan.

Despite a rapid powerplay that yielded nine fours, the Titans lost their way as the PBKS attack stifled the scoring. The final tally seemed short, especially considering the power differential; Gujarat managed only three maximums while the Kings cleared the boundary 14 times.

The chase began with authority as Connolly and Prabhsimran punished the bowlers with a barrage of sixes. Captain Shreyas Iyer looked set to see it through after Prabhsimran’s exit, but his sudden departure opened the floodgates for a tense passage of play.

With the outcome in jeopardy, Connolly showed maturity beyond his years. He picked his moments to attack, taking the game to Kagiso Rabada and steering the pursuit with a blend of caution and clinical power.

While the victory is a boost for the Kings, the coaching staff will likely address a lack of discipline after gifting 14 extras, including 11 wides. Conversely, the Titans will be frustrated by their inability to convert starts into a match-winning total.

Ultimately, it was the poise of a debutant that separated the two sides in an enthralling encounter.

In one of the most memorable innings of her career, Amelia Kerr hailed her unbeaten 179 as the finest knock she has played, guiding the New Zealand women's national cricket team to a remarkable win over the South Africa women's national cricket team.

Kerr’s superb 179 not out from 139 deliveries helped New Zealand complete the highest successful run chase in the history of women’s ODI cricket. The victory not only leveled the series 1-1 but also earned valuable points in the ICC Women's Championship.

“Yeah, no doubt. It’s No. 1,” Kerr said after the match while reflecting on the innings. Usually known for her composed nature, she admitted the moment carried special emotion. “When I hit the winning runs, I was actually pretty fizzed… that was special.”

Calm Under Pressure

Kerr explained that her strategy throughout the chase was to stay focused on the present and tackle the target step by step. Despite the daunting total, she maintained control of the innings and only allowed herself to think about the outcome as the finish line approached.

Her late acceleration proved decisive, as she scored 79 of her runs from the final 49 balls, steering New Zealand to victory in commanding fashion.

Key Support from Gaze and Knight

Although Kerr held the innings together, Isabella Gaze provided crucial support with an aggressive 68 from 48 balls. The duo shared a vital 120-run partnership for the fifth wicket, ensuring the required rate remained under control through the middle overs.

Kerr praised Gaze’s positive intent, noting that it allowed her to construct the chase with greater freedom. “She was amazing… it allowed us to be in a strong position at the back end,” she said.

Debutant Kayley Knight also played an important role in the match, taking key wickets earlier in the contest and displaying composure with the bat during the closing stages of the chase.

A Landmark Moment for Women’s Cricket

Kerr pointed to the growing confidence within women’s cricket, highlighting recent high-scoring matches that have shown teams are capable of chasing big totals. She referenced notable innings such as Jemimah Rodrigues’s chase against Australia and Laura Wolvaardt’s prolific scoring as examples.

“That was probably in my mind… teams have chased big scores before, so there’s no reason why we can’t,” Kerr said.

A Day to Remember

The extraordinary innings not only underlined Kerr’s individual brilliance but also demonstrated the evolving nature of the women’s game, where imposing totals are increasingly within reach.

For Kerr, the performance carried both personal pride and team significance. “It means a lot… to make the series 1-1 and contribute like that in an important game,” she said.

Among the many highlights in her career, this innings now stands above the rest—her undisputed No. 1.

The India national cricket team is set to tour the Zimbabwe national cricket team in July for a three-match T20I series, with all fixtures scheduled to take place in Harare. The development was confirmed by Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) on Wednesday.

The tour will mark India’s return to Zimbabwe after their previous visit in July 2024, when the two sides competed in a five-match T20I series. The forthcoming series signals a continued effort by both boards to revive and strengthen bilateral cricketing relations.

Reciprocal Tours Highlight Growing Engagement

The announcement follows confirmation that Zimbabwe will travel to India in January 2027 for a three-match ODI series. The tour will be Zimbabwe’s first bilateral visit to India since 2002, reflecting a renewed commitment to regular cricketing exchanges between the two nations.

The teams last met during the Super Eight stage of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup, where India recorded a convincing 72-run victory in Chennai after setting an imposing total.

Opportunity for Growth and Competition

ZC Managing Director Givemore Makoni welcomed the upcoming fixtures and stressed their importance for Zimbabwe’s development on the international stage.

“Matches against India always generate tremendous interest, and this series presents a great opportunity for our players to challenge themselves against the world champions in front of home supporters,” Makoni said.

He further noted that Zimbabwe’s recent performances in international competitions have been promising, and the India series offers another chance to build momentum and improve competitiveness.

Landmark Return to India

Makoni also emphasized the importance of Zimbabwe’s scheduled 2027 tour of India, calling it a significant milestone for the team.

“India remains one of the most prominent destinations in world cricket, and touring there is both a privilege and a valuable learning experience for our players,” he added.

Strengthening Cricketing Relations

The upcoming matches in Harare and the planned series in India illustrate a broader effort to reinforce cricketing ties between the two countries. Both cricket boards view these engagements as essential for player growth, fan interest, and maintaining a competitive international calendar.

With strong fan interest anticipated and valuable international exposure on offer, the upcoming India-Zimbabwe encounters are expected to deliver competitive and entertaining cricket in the years ahead.

South Australia has suffered a big setback before the Sheffield Shield final. Fast bowler Brendan Doggett is out due to a hamstring injury. Doggett played a crucial role in last year's final. Unfortunately, he has not recovered in time for the match against the Victoria cricket team, which starts on Thursday at Junction Oval.

South Australia aims to win back-to-back titles after ending a long drought with last season’s victory. The right-arm bowler was key in that win over Queensland cricket team. He took 11 wickets and was named player of the match at Karen Rolton Oval. However, he has not played since injuring himself in February.

Head coach Ryan Harris confirmed that despite efforts to speed up his recovery, the risk was too high. “He hasn’t come up—we tried our best,” Harris said. “Going into a final, you sometimes take risks, but this is probably too much, too fast.” Harris also considered the long-term view, saying that Doggett could be in the running for greater honors later this year.

“He has a big August coming up with the Australian team, so we want to make sure we’re not pushing him too hard,” he added. Wicketkeeper-batter Alex Carey recognized the setback but still felt positive about the team’s chances. “That’s why you play Sheffield Shield cricket, to win titles,” Carey said.

“We’re playing our best cricket at the right time of year.” To fill Doggett’s spot, South Australia has brought in pacer Wes Agar and batter Jake Fraser-McGurk, who is returning after pulling out of the Pakistan Super League. Victoria, who finished at the top of the standings, will host the final and are seen as favorites.

However, South Australia remains confident as they look to defend their title and build on the success of last season’s historic win.

Lisa Keightley, head coach of MI London, has expressed disappointment over the lack of female head coaches in the upcoming season of The Hundred.

During the inaugural Women’s Hundred auction held in London, Keightley noticed she was the only female head coach present, highlighting the continuing gender gap in coaching roles within the women’s game.

Growing Women’s Cricket but Coaching Gap Remains

Keightley acknowledged that women’s cricket is rapidly growing, driven largely by competitive T20 leagues in major cricket nations like India, England and Australia. These leagues are increasing player salaries and improving opportunities in the sport.

However, she said the absence of female head coaches at franchise level is disappointing, even though some women are working in assistant coaching roles.

Female Coaches Present in Support Roles

Former England players were part of the auction room in assistant positions:

• Sarah Taylor – assistant coach with Manchester Originals

• Anya Shrubsole – assistant coach with Southern Brave

Taylor has already built a strong coaching résumé across men’s and women’s teams and believes she could become a head coach in the future.

Keightley’s Advice to Female Coaches

Keightley encouraged women aspiring to coaching leadership roles to take opportunities when they arise and not doubt their readiness.

She said women often feel more comfortable remaining assistants but stressed that stepping into head coach roles requires confidence and willingness to take risks.

Building MI London’s Squad

At the auction, MI London already had several international stars signed, including:

• Hayley Matthews

• Amelia Kerr

• Danni Wyatt-Hodge

The team added further players such as:

• Chinelle Henry

• Nicola Carey

• Kira Chathli

Chathli was purchased for £80,000 after an impressive 2025 season in which she scored 220 runs with a strike rate above 150.

Looking Ahead

Despite the coaching imbalance, Keightley believes change will come gradually as more former players move into coaching roles and gain experience. She expects the situation to improve over the next five years as women continue to enter the coaching pipeline.

New South Wales cricket team claimed the Dean Jones Trophy in dramatic fashion after a rain-affected final against Tasmania cricket team in Hobart, a match that almost never began due to persistent showers on Wednesday.

Heavy rain throughout the day threatened to wash out the contest. Had the match been abandoned, Tasmania would have secured the title by virtue of finishing at the top of the table. However, after more than four hours of waiting, play finally began at 6:15 p.m., giving New South Wales a late chance to fight for the trophy.

After winning the toss earlier in the day, New South Wales made immediate use of the helpful conditions once the game started. Their bowlers ripped through the Tasmanian top order, reducing the hosts to a precarious 25 for 5. Fast bowlers Ben Dwarshuis and Sean Abbott were instrumental with the new ball, exploiting movement off the pitch. Tasmania’s troubles deepened when captain Jordan Silk was run out.

Tasmania eventually managed to post a modest total of 118, setting New South Wales a target of 119 for victory.

Despite the relatively low chase, New South Wales experienced a tense moment when they slipped to 73 for 5. Captain Kurtis Patterson steadied the innings with a composed unbeaten 52 off 57 balls, guiding his side safely across the line and sealing the title.

Reflecting on the unusual day, Patterson admitted the team had almost given up hope of playing. “It hasn’t quite sunk in yet. We were about 10 minutes more rain away from not even getting on the field,” he said, describing the day as “wild” as players anxiously monitored weather radar in the dressing room.

Dwarshuis and Abbott, who recently featured in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup, proved crucial for New South Wales. The pair shared six wickets between them and contributed valuable experience in pressure situations. Dwarshuis also struck a key six during the run chase to ease the tension.

Patterson praised the duo’s versatility and experience in white-ball cricket, noting their contributions with both ball and bat as well as in the field.

The final also capped a remarkable tournament for Patterson personally. His match-winning half-century took his tally to 565 runs at an impressive average of 113.00, including three centuries. The performance comes shortly after his career-best 173 not out in the Sheffield Shield last month, reigniting discussion about a potential return to the Australia national cricket team. Patterson previously played two Tests for Australia in 2019.

While pleased with his form, Patterson said thoughts of international selection remain secondary during the domestic season, though he still hopes to represent Australia again.

For Tasmania, the defeat was particularly painful after a strong campaign in which they won their first five matches of the competition to secure hosting rights for the final. Silk admitted the loss was “raw” and described it as a missed opportunity, especially with the team also out of contention in the Sheffield Shield.

In the end, a rain-threatened day in Hobart produced a dramatic conclusion, with New South Wales seizing their late opportunity to lift the Dean Jones Trophy.

Fast-bowling allrounder Javon Searles, Titans team owner Chitranjan Rathod, and team official Trevon Griffith have been provisionally suspended from all forms of cricket after being charged with multiple breaches of anti-corruption regulations linked to the 2023–24 Bim10 tournament in Barbados.

The charges were brought jointly by the International Cricket Council (ICC) and Cricket West Indies (CWI) under their respective anti-corruption codes. The alleged offences are primarily connected to the Bim10 tournament, which falls under the jurisdiction of CWI’s anti-corruption code. Griffith has also been charged with an additional offence related to international cricket under the ICC’s anti-corruption code.

According to the charges, Rathod faces three alleged breaches under the CWI code, while Searles has been charged with four offences. Griffith faces a total of five charges—four under the CWI code and one under the ICC code.

The accusations include breach of Article 2.1.1 of the CWI anti-corruption code, which relates to fixing or attempting to fix matches, or improperly influencing the result, progress, conduct, or other aspects of matches in the Bim10 tournament. The trio have also been charged under Article 2.1.4 for allegedly soliciting, instructing, encouraging, or facilitating players or support personnel to commit corruption-related offences.

Another charge under Article 2.4.4 accuses the individuals of failing or refusing to cooperate with an official anti-corruption investigation.

In addition, Searles and Griffith are accused of breaching Article 2.4.2, which concerns failing to report any approaches or invitations to engage in corrupt activities to Cricket West Indies.

Griffith faces a further allegation under Article 2.4.7 of the ICC anti-corruption code. He is accused of obstructing the ICC’s Anti-Corruption Unit investigation by allegedly concealing or tampering with information that may have been relevant evidence in the case.

All three individuals have been given 14 days from March 11, 2026, to respond to the charges.

The ICC stated that these charges form part of a broader investigation into corruption linked to the Bim10 tournament. Earlier in the investigation, USA batter Aaron Jones was also charged with five breaches under both ICC and CWI anti-corruption codes.

The governing body added that it would not provide further comment while the disciplinary proceedings remain ongoing.

Searles previously represented West Indies at the Under-19 level and played for Trinbago Knight Riders in the Caribbean Premier League between 2014 and 2019. He also had a brief stint in the Indian Premier League, representing Kolkata Knight Riders during the 2018 season.

An expert committee appointed by the Karnataka government will conduct a final inspection of the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on March 13 before granting approval for the venue to host matches in the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL).

Earlier this month, authorities had issued conditional approvals for the conduct of matches at the stadium, including IPL fixtures. However, the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) has expressed confidence that the venue will receive the final clearance following the inspection.

The KSCA has been carrying out extensive renovation work at the stadium in recent months. The upgrades include the installation of multiple new entry gates and the widening of several existing ones to improve crowd movement. Work has also focused on improving surrounding infrastructure, including the development of new walkways and a holding area near the old National Cricket Academy facility. In addition, new direct entry and exit routes have been created for emergency services.

The association had been given a deadline of March 15 to complete all short-term improvements recommended by the Justice D’Cunha Committee. The committee was constituted after the tragic stampede during Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s IPL 2025 victory celebrations, which resulted in the deaths of 11 people. Following its appointment, the panel conducted a comprehensive safety and structural audit of the stadium.

Renovation work began in mid-December after KSCA elections in which former India fast bowler Venkatesh Prasad was elected president. His administration has been working closely with government officials to ensure that all required procedures and safety measures are met. KSCA has also confirmed that previously pending safety audit issues—one of the reasons the state electricity regulatory body had cut power supply to the venue last July—have now been resolved.

Earlier this month, KSCA confirmed that Royal Challengers Bengaluru would return to their home ground after weeks of discussions with stakeholders, including the state government.

To further improve crowd management, the franchise and KSCA are also in advanced talks with the Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation. In addition, the team plans to introduce digital ticket verification through QR code scanning to enable smoother stadium entry and prevent overcrowding near ticket counters on match days.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru will begin their IPL 2026 home campaign at the venue against Sunrisers Hyderabad on March 28. They will then host Chennai Super Kings on April 5. These are the only two home matches scheduled at the stadium in the first phase of the tournament schedule released earlier this week.

Overall, RCB are expected to play five home matches at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium this season, while two additional home games will be hosted at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Cricket Stadium in Raipur.

Left-arm seamer Thomas O'Connor delivered a sensational bowling performance in the sixth round of the Plunket Shield, guiding Otago Volts to a crucial victory over Auckland Aces inside three days at the Eden Park Outer Oval.

The 21-year-old, son of former New Zealand international Shayne O'Connor, claimed remarkable figures of 7 for 58 in the first innings and followed it up with 6 for 27 in the second, finishing with a stunning 13-wicket match haul.

Thomas’ first-innings performance is the best by an Otago bowler in the Plunket Shield since Neil Wagner took 7 for 46 against Wellington Firebirds during the 2011-12 season in Dunedin. His overall match figures are Otago’s best in the competition since the 1989-90 season and rank seventh-best in the team’s history.

In achieving the feat, Thomas also surpassed his father’s career-best first-class match figures of 12 for 122, recorded in the 1998-99 season.

Like his father, Thomas relies heavily on swing bowling. His action and ability to generate sharp inswingers closely resemble Shayne’s style. One such inswinger knocked over Auckland’s Harrish Kannan in the first innings, while another trapped Dale Phillips — the brother of Glenn Phillips — for just three runs in the second innings.

Despite having played only four first-class matches, Thomas showcased variety as well. Against left-hander Lachlan Stackpole, he produced a delivery that moved away from over the wicket, forcing an edge that was safely taken by wicketkeeper Max Chu.

Speaking after the match, Thomas credited his father’s advice for helping him maintain the right mindset.

“I think our actions are similar, people have told me that,” he said. “But the most important advice he’s given me is about the mental side — just enjoy it, have fun and appreciate being able to do a job we love.”

Thomas admitted the achievement would take time to fully sink in. “You don’t play for milestones, but it’s special to get one. Getting the win as well makes it even better,” he added.

While the younger O’Connor may have eclipsed his father’s best match figures, he played down any rivalry at home. “There’s not a lot of banter. He’s still ahead with international cricket and more wickets,” he said.

During Thomas’ record-breaking performance in Auckland, Shayne was officiating as a match referee in the third ODI between New Zealand national cricket team and Zimbabwe national cricket team in Dunedin. Shayne was promoted to the International Cricket Council International Panel of Match Referees last year.

As a player, Shayne was a formidable swing bowler for New Zealand between 1997 and 2001, taking 99 international wickets. He is particularly remembered for dismissing Steve Waugh for 96 with a yorker during the 1997 Perth Test at the WACA Ground.

Interestingly, veteran umpire Billy Bowden, who officiated in the recent Plunket Shield match, had also stood in the Shell Trophy game in 1999 when Shayne claimed his 12-wicket haul.

Thomas’ rise in domestic cricket has already caught attention. He has been signed as an overseas player by Leinster Lightning for the 2026 season and previously impressed against the touring West Indies cricket team in Lincoln last November, where he dismissed opener John Campbell.

With performances like this early in his career, Thomas O’Connor appears to have a bright future ahead in New Zealand cricket.

Pakistan mystery spinner Abrar Ahmed created history at the inaugural men’s The Hundred auction in London after being signed by Sunrisers Leeds for £190,000 (US$255,000). With this move, Abrar became the first Pakistan player to be bought by a franchise owned by an Indian company in the tournament.

Sunrisers Leeds, owned by Indian media conglomerate Sun TV, secured Abrar following a bidding battle with Trent Rockets. The franchise was formerly known as Northern Superchargers before Sun TV acquired a 49% stake from the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and the remaining 51% from Yorkshire for approximately £100 million last year.

The signing drew attention amid speculation about whether franchises with links to Indian Premier League (IPL) teams would bid for Pakistan players. Despite concerns about a potential “shadow ban,” franchises had earlier committed to selecting players based only on performance, availability, and team requirements.

Abrar was the second Pakistan player sold during the morning session of the auction. Allrounder Usman Tariq was picked up by Birmingham Phoenix for £140,000 (US$187,000). Both Phoenix and Trent Rockets are jointly owned by their host counties and American investment groups.

No active Pakistan international has played in the IPL since 2008 due to long-standing political tensions between India and Pakistan. However, several Pakistan cricketers have appeared in global T20 leagues operated by companies linked to IPL franchises.

Meanwhile, uncapped Sussex allrounder James Coles emerged as the most expensive player of the morning, earning a massive £390,000 (US$522,000) contract with London Spirit after an intense five-way bidding war.

The 21-year-old Coles had previously earned £31,000 while playing for Southern Brave in last year’s edition of The Hundred. Since then, he has enjoyed a breakthrough period in franchise cricket, including winning the SA20 with Sunrisers Eastern Cape and impressing during the England Lions series against Pakistan Shaheens.

Starting from a base price of £75,000, Coles initially attracted bids from Manchester Super Giants, Birmingham Phoenix, and Trent Rockets. Sunrisers Leeds joined the race at £220,000 before London Spirit ultimately secured the young allrounder.

Coles will be the fourth-highest paid player in this year’s tournament, behind Harry Brook (£465,000 at Sunrisers Leeds), Phil Salt (£450,000 at Welsh Fire), and Jofra Archer (£400,000 at Southern Brave), all of whom were pre-signed ahead of the auction.

The auction also saw several other major deals. Jordan Cox was bought by Welsh Fire for £300,000, Tom Curran joined MI London for £260,000, and Adil Rashid signed with Southern Brave for £250,000. Joe Root became the first player sold at the auction, joining Welsh Fire for £240,000, while Dan Lawrence secured a £210,000 deal with Sunrisers Leeds.

Among overseas players, South Africa’s Aiden Markram attracted the highest bid, earning a £200,000 contract with Manchester Super Giants. Markram already represents other Super Giants franchises, including Lucknow in the IPL and Durban in the SA20.

The auction marked a significant moment in the evolution of The Hundred, with record bids, historic signings, and increased global interest shaping the upcoming season.

Assistant coach of London Spirit Women, Malolan Rangarajan believes a successful ICC Women's T20 World Cup in England could significantly boost interest in women’s cricket and bring more young girls to stadiums during The Hundred.

Rangarajan, who previously served as head coach of Royal Challengers Bangalore Women during their title-winning campaign in the Women's Premier League, said he witnessed first-hand how India’s triumph in the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025 transformed perceptions of women’s cricket back home.

Speaking during the inaugural Hundred auction in London, Rangarajan highlighted how the World Cup victory led by Harmanpreet Kaur created a cultural shift in India.

“Harman and the team winning that World Cup has changed the landscape of women’s cricket in India,” Rangarajan said. “It gave parents the confidence to encourage their daughters to go out, play and even pursue cricket as a career.”

According to Rangarajan, the impact of such a major international victory can go far beyond the trophy itself. He believes that if England were to win the upcoming Women’s T20 World Cup on home soil, it could create a similar surge of enthusiasm among young fans and families attending Hundred matches.

“I know the cultural dynamics are different here,” he said. “But if England win the World Cup and it’s followed by the Hundred, it could bring a huge change. You will see many more girls and parents coming to watch the game.”

WPL’s role in boosting women’s cricket

The rapid growth of the Women’s Premier League in India has also played a key role in increasing visibility for women’s cricket. With the league now four seasons old, players have begun receiving mainstream recognition, appearing in advertisements, magazine covers and television shows.

For many young athletes in India, cricket is now being viewed as a viable career path.

Strong squad building for London Spirit

At the Hundred auction, London Spirit secured South African all-rounder Nadine de Klerk for £170,000 — the fourth-highest bid of the event. De Klerk had previously worked with Rangarajan during the successful WPL campaign with Royal Challengers Bangalore.

In the 2026 WPL season, De Klerk impressed with 16 wickets at an average of 15.68 and also contributed valuable runs with the bat. She also produced a match-winning 84* against India during the recent 50-over World Cup.

At London Spirit, she will join a strong group of all-rounders including Marizanne Kapp, Grace Harris and Charlie Dean.

Rangarajan said the squad composition provides flexibility with both bat and ball.

“Because we retained players like Grace, Marizanne and Charlie Dean, we had options going into the auction,” he explained. “Nadine gives us middle-overs and death-overs bowling, and she adds depth to the batting.”

Key additions and bargains

London Spirit also signed West Indies power-hitter Deandra Dottin for £37,000, adding further pace-bowling options alongside Mahika Gaur.

Meanwhile, several Indian stars were picked up at surprisingly low prices in the auction. All-rounder Deepti Sharma joined Sunrisers Leeds Women for her base price of £27,500, while wicketkeeper-batter Richa Ghosh moved to Manchester Super Giants Women for £50,000.

Rangarajan said such outcomes are common in franchise auctions due to team strategies and timing.

“The auction depends a lot on when a player appears and what gaps teams are trying to fill,” he said. “It’s just the dynamics of the auction.”

Despite the lower price tags, Rangarajan believes players like Deepti and Richa will continue to thrive in leagues around the world — especially with the growing global momentum behind women’s cricket.

The West Indies women’s team has retained the same squad for the upcoming T20 International series against Australia, keeping faith in the group that recently faced Sri Lanka. Despite a 2–0 defeat in their last series, the selectors have opted for continuity as the team prepares to take on the world’s top-ranked side.

Led by captain Hayley Matthews, the Caribbean squad will face Australia in a three-match T20I series at Arnos Vale Cricket Ground in Kingstown. The team combines experienced campaigners such as Matthews, Stafanie Taylor, Shemaine Campbelle and Deandra Dottin with promising young players including teenage prospects Eboni Brathwaite and Jahzara Claxton.

The series will serve as a crucial preparation phase for both teams ahead of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup scheduled to be held in the United Kingdom in June.

West Indies head coach Shane Deitz said the challenge of facing the top-ranked Australian team will provide an important benchmark for his side.

“We’re really excited about the opportunity to play the number one ranked ODI and T20 team in the world,” Deitz said. “With the World Cup approaching, this series will help us understand where we stand in our preparation. Playing against the best team allows us to identify areas that need improvement and also recognise what we are doing well.”

Deitz added that it will be an important test for the team as they aim to measure their progress since their last competitive meeting with Australia in October 2023.

“It’s going to be a very tough series, but the players are ready for the challenge. We haven’t faced Australia in a competitive match for quite some time, so this is a good opportunity to assess how much we’ve improved and where we still need to get better before the World Cup.”

The three-match T20I series will begin on March 19, with the remaining games scheduled for March 21 and March 23 at the same venue. Following the T20Is, the teams will also contest a three-match One-Day International series at Warner Park in St. Kitts and Nevis.

Originally, the tour also included a Test match, but it was later removed from the schedule as West Indies Cricket prioritised white-ball preparation ahead of the T20 World Cup.

West Indies Women T20I Squad:
Hayley Matthews (captain), Chinelle Henry, Aaliyah Alleyne, Eboni Brathwaite, Shemaine Campbelle, Jahzara Claxton, Deandra Dottin, Afy Fletcher, Jannillea Glasgow, Shawnisha Hector, Zaida James, Qiana Joseph, Mandy Mangru, Karishma Ramharack, Stafanie Taylor.

New Zealand men’s assistant coaches Luke Ronchi and Jacob Oram will take up coaching roles with Islamabad United in the upcoming Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2026, even though the tournament overlaps with New Zealand’s international assignments.

Ronchi, New Zealand’s batting coach, was appointed as the head coach of Islamabad United earlier this year, while bowling coach Jacob Oram will serve as one of his assistants during the PSL season. Ronchi previously represented Islamabad United as a player for three seasons after making his debut in the tournament in 2017–18.

The PSL is scheduled to begin on March 26, shortly after New Zealand conclude their five-match T20I series against South Africa, which runs from March 15 to March 25. Following that series, New Zealand are also set to tour Bangladesh for three One-Day Internationals and three T20Is, although the official schedule for that tour is yet to be announced.

New Zealand Cricket performance manager Mike Sandle said the opportunity to work in franchise leagues abroad would benefit the coaches and the national team in the long run.

“This is a great chance for Luke and Jake to further their coaching experience and grow their skills outside of the New Zealand cricket environment,” Sandle said. “Just like our players, our coaches are in demand around the world. We believe Luke and Jake will not only personally benefit from their time in the PSL, but they will also be able to bring back valuable knowledge and intellectual property that can aid the Black Caps and New Zealand Cricket in the future.”

In the absence of Ronchi and Oram during the South Africa series, Wellington coach Jonny Bassett-Graham and New Zealand Cricket network coach Graeme Aldridge will join the national team’s support staff to assist head coach Rob Walter.

For the Bangladesh tour, Canterbury coach Brendon Donkers will step in to fill the roles.

Sandle welcomed the temporary additions to the coaching group, highlighting the opportunity for domestic coaches to gain experience at the international level.

“It will be great to have Jonny, Graeme and Brendon join the Black Caps environment. I’m sure they will gain a lot from the experience of working alongside our players and support staff,” Sandle said. “Their involvement will help strengthen our high-performance coaching depth, and we hope they will take valuable lessons back to benefit the domestic cricket system.”

The arrangement reflects New Zealand Cricket’s growing flexibility in allowing coaching staff to gain exposure in global T20 leagues while maintaining depth within the national team’s support structure.