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WATCH: Shree Charani plucks a stunner to dismiss Beth Mooney in WPL 2026
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WATCH: Shree Charani plucks a stunner to dismiss Beth Mooney in WPL 2026



The Women’s Premier League 2026 produced another moment of sheer brilliance as Shree Charani pulled off a stunning caught-and-bowled effort to dismiss Beth Mooney during the fourth match of the tournament. The high-voltage clash between Delhi Capitals Women and Gujarat Giants Women at the Dr DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai had fans on their feet, with the spectacular dismissal quickly going viral on social media.

Delhi Capitals Women won the toss and opted to bowl first, a decision that initially looked challenging as the Gujarat Giants openers came out firing and dominated the powerplay with authority.

Gujarat Giants’ strong opening partnership

Gujarat Giants Women got off to a solid start courtesy of a fluent opening stand between Mooney and Sophie Devine. The duo added 94 runs for the first wicket, laying a strong foundation for a big total. Mooney, in particular, looked in sublime touch, finding gaps with ease and punishing anything loose from the Delhi bowlers.

Devine complemented her opening partner perfectly, rotating the strike well before switching gears with powerful strokes down the ground and through the covers. With both batters well set, Delhi Capitals were in desperate need of a breakthrough to halt the momentum.

Shree Charani produces moment of magic to dismiss Beth Mooney

The breakthrough finally arrived in the ninth over, and it came in spectacular fashion. On the very first ball of the over, Charani delivered a length ball that Mooney smashed back fiercely. The ball flew straight back at the bowler, who reacted instinctively. It initially popped out of her hands, but Charani showed remarkable presence of mind to grab it on the second attempt in her follow-through.

The athletic effort stunned Mooney, who had to walk back despite playing the shot with authority. The dismissal not only broke a threatening partnership but also shifted the momentum back in Delhi’s favour. The official broadcaster later shared the clip on social media, with fans hailing it as one of the best catches of the season so far.

Here’s the video:

Also READ: WPL 2026 – Georgia Wareham outshines Phoebe Litchfield in Gujarat Giants’ narrow win over UP Warriorz; fans react

Sophie Devine sizzles with her batting masterclass

While Mooney’s dismissal gave Delhi a much-needed boost, Devine ensured that Gujarat Giants did not lose steam. The experienced New Zealand all-rounder put on a batting masterclass, dismantling the Delhi bowling attack with a blend of timing, power, and intelligent shot selection.

Devine attacked both pace and spin with ease, clearing the ropes and peppering the boundaries at will. She looked set for a well-deserved century and was cruising in the 90s before Nandani Sharma finally brought an end to her magnificent knock. Devine was dismissed for a brilliant 95, falling just five runs short of a hundred.

Also READ: WPL 2026: Nat Sciver-Brunt and Harmanpreet Kaur power Mumbai Indians to dominant win over Delhi Capitals

This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.





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Fans go wild as Sophie Devine’s all-round show powers Gujarat Giants to thrilling win over Delhi Capitals in WPL 2026
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Fans go wild as Sophie Devine’s all-round show powers Gujarat Giants to thrilling win over Delhi Capitals in WPL 2026



A sensational all-round performance from Sophie Devine helped Gujarat Giants Women clinch a thrilling four-run victory over Delhi Capitals Women in Match 4 of the Women’s Premier League 2026 at the Dr DY Patil Sports Academy, Navi Mumbai. In a high-scoring contest that went down to the final moments, Gujarat defended 209 despite a valiant chase led by Lizelle Lee and Laura Wolvaardt.

Gujarat Giants ride Sophie Devine-Ashleigh Gardner brilliance to 209

After Delhi Capitals Women won the toss and opted to bowl, Gujarat Giants were powered by a commanding batting display, led by Sophie Devine. The veteran opener produced a breathtaking knock of 95 off just 42 deliveries, smashing seven fours and eight sixes to dominate the Delhi attack. Devine set the tone early and maintained the momentum through the middle overs, ensuring Gujarat stayed on course for a massive total.

Captain Ashleigh Gardner provided vital support with a fluent 49 off 26 balls, anchoring the innings after the early loss of Beth Mooney. Useful cameos from Anushka Sharma and Kashvee Gautam helped Gujarat Giants post an imposing 209, though a dramatic collapse in the final over saw them bowled out.

Nandini Sharma’s five-for triggers late collapse

The highlight of Delhi Capitals’ bowling effort was an extraordinary spell from Nandini Sharma, who finished with sensational figures of 5 for 33. Bowling the final over, she claimed a memorable hat-trick, removing Kanika Ahuja, Rajeshwari Gayakwad, and Renuka Thakur on consecutive balls to register the fourth hat-trick in WPL history. She received good support from Nallapureddy Charani, who chipped in with two wickets, but Gujarat’s top-order firepower had already done the damage.

Lizelle Lee and Laura Wolvaardt lead spirited Delhi chase

Chasing 210 for victory, Delhi Capitals Women responded with an outstanding opening stand.Lee played a commanding knock of 86 off 54 balls, striking 12 fours and three sixes, while Wolvaardt matched her partner stroke for stroke with a classy 77 off just 38 deliveries. The duo kept Delhi well ahead of the required rate for most of the innings, putting Gujarat under immense pressure.

Despite the strong platform, Gujarat Giants struck back at crucial intervals Devine once again proved decisive, picking up two key wickets, while Rajeshwari claimed two scalps to slow the chase in the middle overs.

Gujarat hold nerve in tense finish

With Delhi needing a handful of runs in the final overs, Gujarat Giants held their composure. Tight bowling at the death and smart field placements ensured that Delhi Capitals finished on 205 for 5, falling just four runs short of the target. The narrow win highlighted Gujarat’s resilience under pressure and capped off a memorable night led by Devine’s match-winning all-round performance.

Also WATCH: Shree Charani plucks a stunner to dismiss Beth Mooney in WPL 2026

Here’s how fans reacted:

Also WATCH: Nandini Sharma takes a sensational hat-trick in WPL 2026

This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.





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WATCH: Nandini Sharma takes a sensational hat-trick in WPL 2026
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WATCH: Nandini Sharma takes a sensational hat-trick in WPL 2026



The Women’s Premier League 2026 witnessed a breathtaking moment as Nandini Sharma, the young fast bowler from Delhi Capitals Women, produced a sensational hat-trick against Gujarat Giants Women. The historic feat came during the 20th over of the first innings at the Dr DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai, leaving players, fans, and experts in awe.

In a dramatic final over, Nandini removed Kanika Ahuja, Rajeshwari Gayakwad, and Renuka Singh on three consecutive deliveries, turning what was already a high-scoring innings into a memorable chapter in WPL history. Her spell not only underlined Delhi Capitals’ bowling depth but also etched her name into the tournament’s record books.

Nandini Sharma takes a historic hat-trick

Bowling the final over under pressure, Nandini showed remarkable composure. Gujarat Giants were pushing hard to cross the 210 mark when the young pacer struck gold. She first dismissed Kanika with a well-directed delivery that breached the defence, before outsmarting Rajeshwari on the very next ball. With the crowd already buzzing, Nandini completed her hat-trick by removing Renuka, triggering wild celebrations in the Delhi Capitals camp.

This achievement marked the fourth hat-trick in the history of the WPL, placing Nandini in elite company. At just 24 years of age, the Chandigarh-born pacer also became the second Indian to take a hat-trick in the league and the first uncapped player to claim a five-wicket haul in WPL history.

Here’s the video:

Also READ: WPL 2026 – Georgia Wareham outshines Phoebe Litchfield in Gujarat Giants’ narrow win over UP Warriorz; fans react

Elite list of hat-trick gainers in WPL

Nandini now joins a distinguished list of bowlers who have achieved the rare feat in the tournament. The previous hat-tricks came from some of the most impactful names in women’s cricket:

  • Issy Wong (Mumbai Indians) vs UP Warriorz – 2023
  • Deepti Sharma (UP Warriorz) vs Delhi Capitals – 2024
  • Grace Harris (UP Warriorz) vs Delhi Capitals – 2025
  • Nandini Sharma (Delhi Capitals) vs Gujarat Giants – 2026

Gujarat Giants’ batting fireworks despite late collapse

Earlier in the innings, Gujarat Giants Women posted an imposing total of 209 all out in 20 overs, riding on a dominant batting display. Sophie Devine was the standout performer, smashing a brilliant 95, narrowly missing out on a century. She was well supported by skipper Ashleigh Gardner, who played a crucial knock of 49, anchoring the middle overs. Despite the strong foundation, the Giants lost momentum at the death as Delhi’s bowlers staged a late comeback.

Also WATCH: Shree Charani plucks a stunner to dismiss Beth Mooney in WPL 2026

This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.





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Fans go berserk as Virat Kohli and Harshit Rana power India to thrilling ODI win over New Zealand in Vadodara
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Fans go berserk as Virat Kohli and Harshit Rana power India to thrilling ODI win over New Zealand in Vadodara



In a high-octane encounter at the brand-new Kotambi Stadium in Vadodara, India clinched a thrilling 4-wicket victory over New Zealand to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. Chasing a formidable target of 301, the Men in Blue relied on a masterclass from Virat Kohli and a fearless all-round cameo from Harshit Rana to cross the line with six balls to spare.

Earlier in the day, the Kiwis posted 300/8 behind Daryl Mitchell’s counter-attacking 84, but India’s resilience ensured a perfect start to their 2026 home season. The match was highlighted by Kohli reaching the monumental milestone of 28,000 international runs on his daughter’s 5th birthday. Despite a late wobble where India slipped to 242/5, the composure of the lower order saw the hosts home in a final-over finish. This victory marks India’s first ODI win at this venue, setting a dominant tone for the rest of the series.

IND vs NZ, 1st ODI: Virat Kohli masterclass and the historic 28,000 milestone

After the early departure of Rohit Sharma for 26, Kohli walked out to a deafening roar and immediately took control of the 301-run chase with surgical precision. He anchored the innings with a brilliant 93 off 91 balls, punishing any width from the Kiwi pacers and manipulating the gaps with his trademark wristy flick.

During this innings, Kohli became the fastest player in history to reach 28,000 international runs, achieving the feat in just his 624th innings, surpassing Sachin Tendulkar. His 123-run partnership with Shubman Gill (56) neutralized the New Zealand spin attack and placed India in a position of absolute command by the 30th over. Even as he neared a century, Kohli maintained a high strike rate, ensuring the required run rate never climbed beyond reach despite the mounting pressure of the chase.

However, just as a hundred seemed certain, he was caught brilliantly by Michael Bracewell off Kyle Jamieson, leaving the stadium in stunned silence. Despite missing out on the personal milestone of a century, his innings provided the bedrock upon which India’s victory was built. Kohli’s presence at the crease acted as a stabilizer for Shreyas Iyer, who played a supporting role of 49 to keep the scoreboard ticking. This knock further solidified his status as the premier ;chase master’ of the modern era, especially on such a significant personal date.

Also WATCH: IND vs NZ: Shreyas Iyer sends Michael Bracewell packing with a rocket throw during Vadodara ODI

IND vs NZ, 1st ODI: Harshit Rana’s all-round heroics stun the Black Caps

Harshit emerged as the unsung hero of the match, delivering a clutch performance with both ball and bat to tilt the game in India’s favour. In the first innings, it was Rana who provided the critical breakthrough by dismissing both set openers, Devon Conway and Henry Nicholls, in successive overs to break a 117-run opening stand as he finished with figures of 2/65.

When he arrived at the crease with India needing 59 runs from 45 balls and the specialist batters back in the pavilion, Rana showed remarkable temperament for a young all-rounder. He played a fearless cameo of 29 runs off just 23 deliveries, including a massive six over long-on that shifted the momentum back toward the hosts. His ability to find boundaries at the death relieved the pressure on KL Rahul, allowing the senior pro to eventually seal the game in the penultimate over.

Although Rana was dismissed in the 47th over, his contribution had already reduced the equation to a manageable run-a-ball scenario. Combined with his early wickets, this performance has firmly established Rana as a serious contender for the seam-bowling all-rounder spot. His energy in the field and defiance under pressure were the final ingredients India needed to overcome a disciplined New Zealand unit.

Here’s how fans reacted: 

Also WATCH: IND vs NZ: Prasidh Krishna cleans up Mitchell Hay with a jaffa in the first ODI





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Not Jasprit Bumrah! Sourav Ganguly picks ‘X factor’ for India in the T20 World Cup 2026
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Not Jasprit Bumrah! Sourav Ganguly picks ‘X factor’ for India in the T20 World Cup 2026



As the countdown to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 begins, the defending champions are bracing for a high-stakes title defense on home soil. Co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka starting February 7, the tournament will see 20 teams battling across 55 matches in subcontinental conditions that historically favor strategic mastery.

While the “Men in Blue” boast a star-studded lineup, former captain Sourav Ganguly has pointed to one specific specialist whose unique skill set could dictate the team’s fortunes in the middle overs. Speaking from Cape Town, Ganguly emphasized that India’s success will hinge on a spin-heavy arsenal capable of exploiting wearing surfaces. With the grand finale set for March 8, the pressure is on the hosts to leverage their home advantage and clinical bowling depth. India enters the fray as the team to beat, with experts agreeing that a single ‘mystery’ element in their attack might be the difference between a trophy and a heartbreak.

Sourav Ganguly’s X-factor for India in T20 World Cup 2026

As per the Times of India, Ganguly officially named mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy as the player who holds the keys to India’s success in the upcoming global event. Currently sitting at the top of the rankings as the ICC’s No. 1 T20I bowler, Chakravarthy has undergone a sensational career resurgence, becoming the “middle-over cheat code” for captain Suryakumar Yadav.

Ganguly noted, “Yeah, nothing (home WC) gets bigger than that, and India is always my favourite team. They have a strong spin attack and if Chakravarthy is fit, then it’s good for India,” highlighting that his ability to deceive batters with subtle variations is uniquely suited for the dry, spinning tracks expected in Chennai, Mumbai, and Colombo. Having dismantled top orders throughout 2025 with an incredible average of just 13.19, his presence allows India to attack even when the powerplay ends, making him more vital to the tactical blueprint than traditional raw pace.

The road to the T20 World Cup 2026 Title: India’s Group A schedule and key matchups

India begins its journey in Group A, a pool that requires clinical consistency before a high-voltage showdown in Sri Lanka. The defending champions will play three of their four group matches in India before crossing the border for the tournament’s biggest rivalry. Below are the confirmed fixtures for India’s opening round:

Date Opponent Venue Time (IST)
Feb 7 United States Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai 7:00 PM
Feb 12 Namibia Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi 7:00 PM
Feb 15 Pakistan R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo 7:00 PM
Feb 18  Netherlands Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad 7:00 PM

Also READ: Shubman Gill speaks out on T20 World Cup 2026 exclusion as India gears up for New Zealand ODIs

India’s 15-member squad for the T20 World Cup

The selection committee has moved away from traditional anchors, opting for a squad built on explosive power and specialist wicket-taking options to suit the modern T20 tempo.

  • Batters: Suryakumar Yadav (c), Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (wk), Tilak Varma, Rinku Singh, Ishan Kishan (wk).
  • All-rounders: Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel (vc), Washington Sundar.
  • Spinners: Varun Chakravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav.
  • Pacers: Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana.

Also READ: Tamim Iqbal under fire for questioning BCB’s decision to move Bangladesh’s T20 World Cup games from India



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IND vs NZ [WATCH]: Virat Kohli frozen in disbelief as Glenn Phillips nearly pulls off an impossible catch to dismiss Shubman Gill during Vadodara ODI
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IND vs NZ [WATCH]: Virat Kohli frozen in disbelief as Glenn Phillips nearly pulls off an impossible catch to dismiss Shubman Gill during Vadodara ODI



During the 1st ODI against New Zealand today (January 11, 2026), a breathtaking moment occurred in the 8th over that left Indian superstar Virat Kohli, and the entire Vadodara crowd, in absolute shock.

Virat Kohli left stunned as Glenn Phillips nearly pulls off an impossible catch to dismiss Shubman Gill

Facing Zakary Foulkes, Shubman Gill slashed a back-of-a-length delivery hard toward backward point, timing it so sweetly that it looked like a certain boundary. Glenn Phillips, widely regarded as the best fielder in world cricket, produced a ‘superman’ effort by launching himself horizontally to his left, appearing to hang in the air for an eternity.

Phillips managed to get a full hand to the ball while completely airborne, nearly plucking what would have been the catch of the decade. Virat Kohli, sitting in the dressing room, was seen with his hands on his head, his jaw dropped in utter disbelief at the sheer athleticism on display. Although the ball didn’t ultimately stick as Phillips hit the turf, the sheer audacity of the attempt forced Kohli to take a moment to process what he had just witnessed.

It was a heart-in-mouth moment for the Indian captain, who wore a sheepish smile afterward, knowing he had survived a piece of magic. The stadium, which had gone silent in anticipation of a wicket, erupted in applause not just for Gill’s survival, but for Phillips’ incredible gravity-defying feat. Commentators immediately drew comparisons to Jonty Rhodes, noting that Phillips is perhaps the only fielder today who could even get a finger to such a ball. Kohli continued to shake, still clearly reeling from how close New Zealand came to a miraculous breakthrough. This ‘near-miss’ has already become the viral highlight of the match, perfectly capturing the intensity of this opening ODI.

Here’s the video:

Also WATCH: IND vs NZ: Shreyas Iyer sends Michael Bracewell packing with a rocket throw during Vadodara ODI

Daryl Mitchell’s counter-attack and Kohli’s milestone charge define Vadodara ODI

The 1st ODI between India and New Zealand at Vadodara has lived up to its billing, with New Zealand setting a challenging target of 301 after a roller-coaster first innings. Winning the toss and opting to bowl, India initially struggled to find an answer to the clinical opening pair of Devon Conway (56) and Henry Nicholls (62), who forged a dominant 117-run partnership.

The momentum shifted when young pacer Harshit Rana produced a double-strike to remove both set openers, followed by a middle-order squeeze led by Kuldeep Yadav and Mohammed Siraj. New Zealand appeared to be stuttering at 237/6, but Daryl Mitchell played a magnificent, counter-attacking knock of 84 off 71 balls, laced with three massive sixes, to drag his side back into the game. A late cameo from debutant Kristian Clarke ensured the Kiwis reached exactly 300/8, marking a historic first innings at the new Kotambi Stadium.

In response, India lost Rohit Sharma for 26 after he smashed a world-record 650th international six, falling to Kyle Jamieson. This brought Kohli to the crease, who immediately injected high energy into the chase, racing to 26* off 19 balls with a flurry of exquisite drives and pulls. As the game stands, the partnership between Gill and Kohli is blossoming, with Kohli needing just a few more runs to reach the monumental landmark of 28,000 international runs. The atmosphere in Vadodara is electric, as fans anticipate a classic Kohli chase on the day of his daughter Vamika’s 5th birthday.

Also WATCH: IND vs NZ: Prasidh Krishna cleans up Mitchell Hay with a jaffa in the first ODI





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IND vs NZ [WATCH]: Shreyas Iyer sends Michael Bracewell packing with a rocket throw during Vadodara ODI
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IND vs NZ [WATCH]: Shreyas Iyer sends Michael Bracewell packing with a rocket throw during Vadodara ODI



India’s fielding standards touched another high in the first ODI against New Zealand in Vadodara on January 11. In a phase where every run mattered, Shreyas Iyer produced a moment of sheer brilliance in the deep. His sharp awareness and athletic execution turned the momentum firmly in India’s favour. The run-out of Michael Bracewell stood out as one of the defining moments of the visitors’ innings.

IND vs NZ, 1st ODI: Shreyas Iyer’s razor-sharp direct hit to remove Michael Bracewell swings the momentum towards India

The decisive moment unfolded in the 43rd over, bowled by Harshit Rana, with New Zealand looking to accelerate at the death. Rana nailed a yorker-length delivery that Daryl Mitchell could only jam out towards long-on, setting off a risky second run. Bracewell responded immediately, knowing the importance of maximizing every opportunity in the final overs. Iyer, positioned near the boundary, anticipated the danger instantly and charged in without hesitation. His pick-up was clean despite the ball coming at pace, and in one fluid motion he unleashed a powerful throw aimed straight at the non-striker’s end.

The throw was flat, fast, and arrowed directly onto the stumps, leaving Bracewell with no margin for error. Even a dive could not save the New Zealand captain, who fell inches short of his crease. The crowd erupted as the replay confirmed what the naked eye had already seen, a perfect direct hit under pressure. It was the kind of dismissal that lifts the entire fielding unit, injecting fresh energy into the side. India sensed the shift immediately, tightening the screws in the remaining overs. That single act of brilliance not only removed a key batter but also sent a clear message about India’s intent in the field.

Here’s the video:

Also WATCH: IND vs NZ: Prasidh Krishna cleans up Mitchell Hay with a jaffa in the first ODI

IND vs NZ, 1st ODI: Daryl Mitchell’s counter-attack revives Blackcaps after Indian bowlers strangle

The first ODI in Vadodara saw New Zealand post a highly competitive 300/8 in their 50 overs, recovering brilliantly after India threatened to derail their innings in the middle stages. Opting to bowl first at the brand-new Kotambi Stadium, India initially struggled to find a breakthrough as Devon Conway and Henry Nicholls navigated the new ball with relative ease.

The Kiwi openers put together a commanding 117-run stand, with both batters reaching well-constructed half-centuries that laid a solid foundation for a massive total. However, the introduction of Rana sparked a collapse, as the young pacer dismissed both openers in quick succession to bring India back into the contest. India’s spin twins, Kuldeep Yadav and Ravindra Jadeja, then tightened the screws, drying up the boundaries and causing a middle-order wobble that saw New Zealand slip from a position of strength to 237/6.

Just as the momentum seemed to favor the hosts, Daryl Mitchell took charge of the situation with a blistering counter-attacking knock of 84 runs off just 71 deliveries. Mitchell’s innings was a masterclass in modern ODI batting, as he frequently used his feet to the spinners and struck two massive sixes to keep the scoreboard ticking at a healthy rate. Even as partners like Bracewell and Glenn Phillips fell at the other end, Mitchell remained the anchor, ensuring the visitors crossed the 250-run mark.

A flurry of wickets in the death overs by Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna briefly gave India hope of keeping the target under 280, but some late fireworks from debutant Kristian Clarke and Kyle Jamieson proved vital. In the final over, New Zealand squeezed out 14 runs to reach exactly 300, a total that hasn’t been chased often at this venue’s historic debut. For India, the pace trio of Rana, Siraj and Krishna finished with two wickets apiece, but they will rue a few expensive overs at the very end.

Also WATCH: IND vs NZ – Harshit Rana deceives Henry Nicholls with a stunning slower ball in 1st ODI





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IND vs NZ [WATCH]: Prasidh Krishna cleans up Mitchell Hay with a jaffa in the first ODI
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IND vs NZ [WATCH]: Prasidh Krishna cleans up Mitchell Hay with a jaffa in the first ODI



India fast bowler Prasidh Krishna delivered a breathtaking moment of skill and precision during the first ODI against New Zealand at the BCA Stadium, Kotambi, Vadodara. With a delivery that will be replayed countless times, Prasidh completely outfoxed Mitchell Hay, cleaning him up with a viciously jagging ball that left the batter rooted to the crease and gave India a crucial breakthrough at a vital stage of the innings.

India look for breakthroughs in the middle overs

After opting to bowl first, India’s bowlers were tested on a surface that offered good value for shots. New Zealand’s batters showed intent and discipline, ensuring the scoreboard kept ticking even as wickets fell at regular intervals. As the innings moved into the latter half, India were desperate for timely strikes to prevent the visitors from posting a formidable total.

Captain Shubman Gill turned to Krishna in the 38th over, hoping his pace and bounce could unsettle the set batters. What followed was a delivery that underlined why Prasidh is such a potent weapon in limited-overs cricket.

Prasidh Krishna stuns Mitchell Hay with a beauty

On the third ball of the 38th over, Prasidh ran in and delivered an absolute peach. Bowling to the right-handed Hay, the Indian pacer produced a sharp delivery that appeared to nip back in dramatically. There were immediate murmurs of reverse swing as the ball jagged back late, completely deceiving the batter.

Hay was caught deep in his crease, offering little foot movement as the ball sneaked past the inside edge. Before he could react, the delivery crashed into the top of the middle stump, sending the bails flying. The batter stood still for a moment, clearly stunned by the quality of the ball that had beaten him comprehensively. It was a classic fast-bowler’s dismissal—pace, movement, and precision coming together in perfect harmony.

Also READ: IND vs NZ: Here’s why Rishabh Pant is not playing the first ODI

Here’s the video:

 

New Zealand post a competitive total courtesy of Devon Conway’s blazing knock

New Zealand went on to post a competitive 300/8 in their allotted 50 overs, recovering well after losing momentum in the middle phase. The innings was anchored by solid contributions from the top and middle order, with Henry Nicholls scoring a fluent 62 and Devon Conway adding a composed 56 at the top, as the duo laid a strong foundation with a century opening stand. After both openers were dismissed in quick succession, New Zealand relied heavily on Daryl Mitchell, who played a crucial knock of 84 to steady the innings and guide the visitors through the middle and death overs. Despite India striking at regular intervals late in the innings, Mitchell’s counter-attacking approach ensured New Zealand reach 300-run mark, giving their bowlers a challenging total to defend in the first ODI.

Also WATCH: IND vs NZ – Harshit Rana deceives Henry Nicholls with a stunning slower ball in 1st ODI





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IND vs NZ [WATCH]: Harshit Rana deceives Henry Nicholls with a stunning slower ball in 1st ODI
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IND vs NZ [WATCH]: Harshit Rana deceives Henry Nicholls with a stunning slower ball in 1st ODI



India’s young fast-bowling sensation Harshit Rana produced a moment of sheer brilliance during the first ODI against New Zealand at the BCA Stadium, Kotambi, Vadodara, as he dismantled a threatening opening partnership with a perfectly disguised slower ball. Rana’s spell not only removed the well-set Henry Nicholls but also sent back Devon Conway in quick succession, swinging momentum firmly in India’s favour after a dominant start by the visitors.

India’s decision to bowl backfires early

After winning the toss, India opted to field first on what looked like a good batting surface. However, the decision initially appeared questionable as New Zealand’s openers made full use of the conditions. Conway and Nicholls batted with composure and authority, rotating strike efficiently while punishing loose deliveries. Their understanding in the middle was evident as they stitched together a commanding 117-run opening stand, putting early pressure on the Indian bowlers and silencing the home crowd in Vadodara.

Harshit Rana removes Henry Nicholls with a beauty

Just when the partnership looked set to inflict serious damage, Rana produced a moment of tactical excellence in the 22nd over. After bowling a couple of short-of-length deliveries that were dispatched for boundaries, Rana cleverly set up Nicholls with a slower off-cutter. On the fourth ball of the over, Rana delivered a 113 kmph slower ball outside off stump. Nicholls, expecting pace, reached out to squeeze the ball through the off side.

Instead, he only managed a faint outside edge, and the ball ballooned towards the wicketkeeper. KL Rahul reacted sharply, diving to his left to complete a superb catch and break the dangerous stand. The dismissal immediately lifted India’s energy on the field and marked a crucial turning point in the innings.

Also READ: IND vs NZ: Here’s why Rishabh Pant is not playing the first ODI

Rana strikes again to remove Conway

Rana was not done yet. Riding high on confidence, the young pacer returned in his very next over and delivered another decisive blow. On the final ball of the 24th over, he bowled a fullish delivery at 142.2 kmph that landed on the seam and jagged back in. Conway, who had raced to a well-made 56, attempted a drive with hard hands away from his body. The ball took a thick inside edge and crashed into the leg stump, leaving the New Zealand opener stunned.

Here’s the video:

Also READ: Shubman Gill speaks out on T20 World Cup 2026 exclusion as India gears up for New Zealand ODIs





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WATCH: “Like a 4-year-old…” – David Warner complains to umpire about Pakistan pacer’s bowling in BBL|15
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WATCH: “Like a 4-year-old…” – David Warner complains to umpire about Pakistan pacer’s bowling in BBL|15



Left-handed opening batter David Warner found himself at the centre of controversy during a Big Bash League (BBL) 2025-26 match after openly questioning the bowling action of Pakistan pacer Zaman Khan.

The incident took place during the Brisbane Heat versus Sydney Thunder encounter at the Gabba on Saturday, where Warner’s animated on-field gestures toward the umpire quickly became the talking point of the night.

Despite Brisbane Heat securing a comfortable seven-wicket victory, the spotlight remained firmly on Warner’s repeated complaints, which overshadowed the on-field result and reignited debates around bowling action legality in Australian cricket.

David Warner’s on-field gestures and complain to the umpire

Opening for Sydney Thunder, Warner played a commanding knock of 82 off 56 balls, striking seven fours and five sixes. However, during Zaman’s spell, Warner repeatedly gestured toward the umpire, mimicking an underarm motion to express his frustration with the pacer’s low, slingy release.

Warner did not hold back and openly mocked the action by saying it resembled “a four-year-old bowling” and pointing out how the ball “stays so low.” Clips of the remarks, shared widely on social media through official BBL channels, quickly went viral and fuelled intense online debate. While no dead ball was called and no immediate intervention followed, Warner’s persistence placed visible pressure on the officials throughout the over.

Here’s the video:

Zaman Khan under scrutiny amid costly BBL debut 

Zaman Khan, drafted in as a replacement for injured Pakistan captain Shaheen Shah Afridi, endured a challenging debut for Brisbane Heat. The 24-year-old conceded 32 runs across three wicketless overs, struggling to contain Warner’s aggressive stroke play, particularly through the leg side.

Known for his slingshot-style action and sharp dip, Zaman has built a reputation in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) and international cricket, with 111 T20 matches and 132 wickets to his name. His action has previously been assessed and remodelled, staying within the ICC’s permitted 15-degree elbow flexion limit. However, Warner’s criticism revived memories of earlier ‘chucking’ controversies in Australia, including Muhammad Hasnain’s suspension in 2022 following complaints from Marcus Stoinis.

Also READ: BBL|15 – Sam Harper’s electrifying 84 not out steers Melbourne Stars to a commanding win over Melbourne Renegades

On the field, Sydney Thunder posted a competitive 189 for 7 after being sent in, largely powered by Warner’s fluent innings. Brisbane Heat responded confidently, chasing down the target in 18.2 overs thanks to an unbeaten 78 from Usman Khawaja and a composed 43 not out from Jimmy Peirson.

Off the field, fans on social media erupted with divided opinions. Australian fans largely backed Warner’s stance, praising his vigilance in protecting batsmen, while many Pakistan supporters accused him of gamesmanship. However, BBL officials confirmed that no immediate biomechanical testing has been ordered. Heat’s coaching staff also dismissed concerns and highlighted Zaman’s raw pace exceeding 140 kph.

While Brisbane Heat celebrated another win over Sydney Thunder, the episode once again highlighted how quickly on-field disputes can dominate headlines.

Also READ: Usman Khawaja’s explosive knock cruise Brisbane Heat to an emphatic victory over Sydney Thunder in BBL|15





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