The mega auction for IPL 2025 is currently happening in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. All ten franchises are making their moves to create a strong team for the upcoming 18th edition of the tournament. With Rs 110.50 crore in their purse, Punjab Kings have the biggest arsenal while Rajasthan Royals have the smallest with Rs 41 crore. In other news, Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged young people to join NCC and popular South Korean actors like Kim Soo-hyun and Byeon Woo-Seok are being recognized for their iconic roles. In cricket, India struggles against Australia in the 1st Test as half of their team has departed cheaply, including Rishabh Pant and Parag Jurel. Meanwhile, New Zealand's T20 World Cup champion has been ruled out for the rest of 2024 due to a bone stress fracture while KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal's partnership in Perth breaks a 38-year-old record.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) team stunned their competition in the International Cricket Council (ICC) Men's T20 World Cup Asia Qualifier B event, held at West End Park International Cricket Stadium in Doha. The UAE team, represented by CMD, put on an impressive show with a total of 132 runs in 20 overs, leaving their opponents with a required run rate of 6.44. The match ended with a partnership of only 2 runs in 3 overs and a final wicket claimed by Lalan Gupta, securing UAE's victory with an unbeatable performance.
The highly anticipated schedule for the upcoming ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2022 has been announced, with a total of 45 matches set to take place across seven venues in Australia. Defending champions Australia will face New Zealand in the opening match at the SCG, while the highly anticipated clash between India and Pakistan will be held at the MCG. The tournament, which runs from October 16 to November 13, will see the top teams battle it out for the coveted trophy.
Despite a disappointing campaign for India, Harmanpreet Kaur stood out as the captain was the only player from India to make the 2024 Team of the Tournament announced by the ICC. Kaur's batting prowess shone through as she finished as India's top scorer and fourth-highest overall, with an impressive average of 150 and strike rate of 133.92. South Africa's Laura Wolvaardt and Lizelle Lee also earned spots in the team for their stellar performances at the top of the order, along with England's Danni Wyatt-Hodge who notched the most runs for her team.
New Zealand claimed their first ever Women’s T20 World Cup title in Dubai International Stadium with a 32-run victory over South Africa. Captain Sophie Devine and her team scraped past the semifinal and went into the final after a string of 10 consecutive losses in T20Is. However, they were led by an all-round performance by Amelia Kerr, who top scored with a 38-ball 43 and took a crucial wicket in the final against South Africa. Brooke Halliday also played a valuable innings of 38 runs in 28 deliveries. For South Africa, captain Laura Wolvaardt chose to bowl first but New Zealand put up a challenging total of 158-5 in 20 overs. Nonkululeko Mlaba took 2-31 for South Africa. However, in the end, it was New Zealand's night to lift the trophy as they dominated over South Africa in all departments.
In a thrilling semifinal match, South Africa defeated reigning champions Australia by eight wickets to book their spot in the Women's T20 World Cup final. Led by Anneke Bosch's unbeaten knock of 74, South Africa chased down Australia's total of 134 with ease. The victory was sweet revenge for South Africa, as they lost to Australia in the last World Cup final. Stay tuned for more updates on the Women's T20 World Cup on NDTV Sports.
Despite a brilliant performance from Nat Sciver-Brunt, England was unable to stop West Indies from securing a six-wicket win in this ICC Women's T20 World Cup match. After initially struggling with the bat, the English team recovered with Sciver-Brunt's unbeaten 57. However, Hayley Matthews and Qiana Joseph's impressive half-centuries helped the West Indies successfully chase down a target of 142 with two overs to spare. Adding to England's woes, captain Heather Knight was unable to play in the second innings due to a calf injury.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is deliberating on the captaincy of the Indian Women's Cricket Team, with Harmanpreet Kaur's position under scrutiny. Despite strong initiatives and facilities provided, the team has not been able to dominate world cricket, which has prompted the BCCI to consider a change in leadership. Former captain Mithali Raj also supports this decision and suggests a young skipper be appointed for the team ahead of the ICC Women's ODI World Cup in 2025.
With New Zealand's win over Pakistan, the subcontinent teams have failed to make it to the knockouts of the 2024 Women's T20 World Cup. This marks the third consecutive edition, and the fourth overall, where no subcontinent team has made it past the group stage. India, which has been the most successful subcontinent team in T20 World Cup history, has also suffered all four of its group-stage exits in editions hosted in Asia.
As the group stage of the Women's T20 World Cup 2024 heads towards the end, India Women are in a tricky yet hopeful position. With crucial victories against Pakistan and Sri Lanka, they have improved their Net Run Rate (NRR), giving them a good chance to qualify for the semi-finals. However, their upcoming match against defending champions Australia is crucial, and a win with a margin of more than 61 runs would secure an automatic semi-final spot for India. But even if they win, qualification scenarios are tough and depend on the results of other matches. The most favourable outcome for India would be a win against Australia along with losses for both New Zealand and Pakistan in their remaining matches, securing their qualification based on points alone rather than NRR.