English all-rounder Jamie Overton produced a decisive fast-bowling display to guide Adelaide Strikers to a thrilling six-run victory over Sydney Thunder in Match 25 of the Big Bash League (BBL) 2025-26 season. The closely fought contest at the Adelaide Oval went down to the final over, with Overton’s composure proving the difference.

Defending a modest total of 165, the Strikers held their nerve as Thunder finished on 159 for 7, despite a valiant unbeaten knock from their captain David Warner.

Adelaide Strikers recover to post a competitive total

After losing the toss and being asked to bat first, Adelaide Strikers endured an up-and-down innings before reaching 165 for 8. Veteran opener Chris Lynn struggled to get going, managing just 15 before falling to Nathan McAndrew. Captain Matthew Short also departed early, scoring 4 as Thunder’s bowlers applied early pressure.

The innings was steadied by Mackenzie Harvey, who struck a fluent 38, and Jason Sangha, whose brisk 31 helped rebuild momentum. The late impetus came from Liam Scott, who remained unbeaten on 49 from 32 balls, providing crucial acceleration in the final overs.

Overton chipped in with a handy 13 before being dismissed, while Thunder’s attack was led by McAndrew and Wes Agar, who claimed two and three wickets, respectively.

David Warner anchors Sydney Thunder’s chase

In reply, Sydney Thunder’s chase was built around a masterful innings from captain David Warner, who carried his bat with an unbeaten 67 off 51 balls. Warner kept Thunder in the hunt as wickets fell around him, displaying control and experience under pressure.

Opener Matthew Gilkes provided early support with a lively 43, putting on a 73-run stand with Warner for the first wicket. However, once Gilkes fell to Overton, the momentum began to shift.

Jamie Overton turns the game with the ball

Jamie Overton was the standout with the ball, returning figures of 4 overs, 2 for 53, but his impact went beyond the numbers. He dismissed key batters including Gilkes and Nic Maddinson, breaking crucial partnerships at decisive moments.

Support came from Hasan Ali, who bowled economically and removed Sam Konstas, and leg-spinner Lloyd Pope, who picked up two wickets to apply pressure through the middle overs.

Despite Warner’s resistance and a late cameo from McAndrew, Thunder fell just short, finishing six runs adrift.

Also READ: Steve Smith and Travis Head’s centuries force England onto the backfoot as Australia takes charge on Day 3 of Sydney Ashes Test

With Thunder needing 13 from the final over, the Strikers’ discipline proved decisive. Overton and Scott marshalled the field smartly, cutting off boundaries and forcing risky shots. Warner could not find the big hits required, and Adelaide sealed a hard-earned win in front of a lively home crowd.

The Adelaide Strikers defend their total of 165, defeating the Sydney Thunder by 6 runs 🔥#BBL15 #AdelaideStrikers pic.twitter.com/3Pjzi8GoDo

— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) January 6, 2026

The victory underlined Adelaide Strikers’ growing resilience in BBL|15 and highlighted Overton’s value as a genuine match-winner.

Also READ: Gujarat Giants appoint three-time World Cup winner as their new fielding coach for WPL 2026

The Women’s Premier League (WPL) returns for its fourth edition in 2026, and the Delhi Capitals (DC) are entering a new era. After three consecutive runner-up finishes, the franchise has hit the reset button on its leadership, appointing Jemimah Rodrigues as captain following the release of Meg Lanning. With a blend of explosive Indian talent and world-class overseas stars, DC are once again hunting for that elusive maiden title.

Withdrawals and new faces in DC

The build-up to WPL 2026 has not been without drama for the Capitals. The franchise retained a strong core but faced a significant setback just weeks before the tournament.

Star Australian all-rounder Annabel Sutherland, who was retained for ₹2.2 crore, withdrew from the tournament citing personal reasons. Sutherland was a vital cog in DC’s pace attack and lower-order batting. Acting swiftly, DC signed Australian leg-spinner Alana King as Sutherland’s replacement. King brings extensive T20 experience and adds a new dimension to the spin department, though the team sacrifices some pace-bowling depth with this swap.

In the mega auction, DC bolstered their squad by signing South African captain Laura Wolvaardt (₹1.10 Cr) and West Indies power-hitter Chinelle Henry (₹1.30 Cr). They also invested heavily in domestic talent, picking up all-rounder Nallapureddy Shree Charani for ₹1.30 Cr.

DC’s best playing XI for WPL 2026

1. Shafali Verma

• Role: Opening batter
• Strength: Explosive power-hitting
• What she brings: Shafali remains the X-factor at the top. Her ability to dismantle bowling attacks in the Powerplay allows DC to dictate the tempo early. Without Lanning, she will need to take slightly more responsibility while maintaining her natural aggression.

2. Laura Wolvaardt (Overseas)

• Role: Opening batter
• Strength: Technical class & consistency
• What she brings: The “Cover Drive Queen” is the perfect foil for Shafali. Wolvaardt brings stability and experience to the top order. She can anchor the innings if wickets fall early or accelerate effortlessly when set, ensuring the team posts competitive totals.

3. Jemimah Rodrigues (Captain)

• Role: Top-order batter
• Strength: Gap-piercing & strike rotation
• What she brings: Now the captain, Jemimah is the heartbeat of this team. Her busy game keeps the scoreboard ticking in the middle overs, neutralizing spin effectively. Her leadership will be tested, but her tactical reading of the game has always been sharp.

4. Marizanne Kapp (Overseas)

• Role: Pace Bowling All-rounder
• Strength: Swing Bowling & Clutch Temperament
• What she brings: Kapp is arguably the most valuable player in the format. She invariably picks up wickets in the Powerplay with her swing and serves as a reliable finisher with the bat. She is the fierce competitor the team rallies around.

5. Chinelle Henry (Overseas)

• Role: Seam Bowling All-rounder
• Strength: Athleticism & Hard-hitting
• What she brings: Filling the fast-bowling all-rounder void left by Sutherland, Henry brings Caribbean flair. She hits a “heavy ball” as a bowler (good for hitting the deck hard) and can clear the boundary with ease late in the innings.

6. Sneh Rana

• Role: Spin Bowling All-rounder
• Strength: Resilience & Off-spin
• What she brings: A shrewd buy at the auction, Rana adds immense depth. She is a partnership breaker with the ball and a gritty batter who can stop a collapse. Her experience effectively replaces the domestic all-round value of players like Radha Yadav.

7. Taniya Bhatia

• Role: Wicketkeeper
• Strength: Glovework
• What she brings: While her batting is often a topic of debate, Taniya is arguably one of the best pure keepers in India. On turning tracks, her lightning-fast stumpings are crucial. DC will hope she can contribute quick runs down the order if required.

8. Minnu Mani

• Role: Off-spinner / Batting All-rounder
• Strength: Flight & Turn
• What she brings: The Kerala cricketer has grown in confidence with international exposure. As a left-handed batter, she offers a tactical advantage against leg-spinners and off-spinners, and her bowling is tidy and economical.

Also READ: Meg Lanning reflects on her appointment as UP Warriorz captain for WPL 2026

9. Alana King (Overseas)

• Role: Leg Spinner
• Strength: Control & Variations
• What she brings: Coming in as Sutherland’s replacement, King is a massive upgrade to the spin department. She is a genuine wicket-taker who attacks the stumps. Her ability to bowl the difficult overs makes her a lock for the playing XI.

10. Nallapureddy Shree Charani

• Role: Left-arm Spinner
• Strength: Accuracy & Domestic Form
• What she brings: With a price tag of ₹1.30 Cr, expectations are high. She offers the vital left-arm orthodox angle that teams crave to counter right-handed heavy lineups. She represents the “youth” injection into the bowling attack.

11. Nandani Sharma

• Role: Medium Pacer
• Strength: Swing
• What she brings: With the squad light on Indian pacers, Nandani Sharma is likely to get the nod to support Kapp and Henry. Her primary job will be to bowl disciplined lines in the middle overs and not leak runs while the spinners attack.

Also READ: Aakash Chopra predicts the winner and Orange Cap holder for WPL 2026 edition

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

As the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 approaches, South Africa have officially unveiled their 15-member squad, aiming to finally secure their first global title. Led by Aiden Markram, the selection features a heavy emphasis on raw pace, but the inclusion of stars like Kagiso Rabada and Anrich Nortje has been overshadowed by a major selection controversy.

South African legend Dale Steyn has publicly voiced his frustration over the exclusion of a certain in-form pacer, leading to a heated debate across social media. While the Proteas have opted for high-velocity options, the absence of one of the most consistent performers in the domestic circuit has left fans and experts questioning the team’s balance. This decision is particularly shocking given the bowler’s record-breaking run in the ongoing SA20 season.

Dale Steyn fumes over pacer’s omission from South Africa’s T20 World Cup 2026 squad

On January 6, 2026, Steyn took to X (formerly Twitter) to express his disbelief at the snub of Ottneil Baartman, a player he mentored as a bowling coach for three seasons at Sunrisers Eastern Cape. Steyn argued that Baartman has evolved into “one of SA’s best white-ball bowlers” and that his omission is impossible to justify given his current form. “He’s the highest wicket-taker in SA20, won the league twice and made a final… That’s a comp that has 4 international players plus all the Proteas! He’s number 1,” Steyn tweeted. The legendary pacer emphasized that while Baartman is delivering “top quality” performances against the world’s best batters, he will unfairly be “sitting home” during the marquee tournament in India and Sri Lanka.

We really need to start looking at Baartman as one of SA’s best white ball bowlers.

He’s the highest wicket taker in SA20, won the league twice and made a final, let me remind you, that’s a comp that has 4 INTERNATIONAL players (often batters) plus all the PROTEAS! He’s number…

— Dale Steyn (@DaleSteyn62) January 5, 2026

Steyn’s endorsement centered on Baartman’s unique ability to execute pinpoint yorkers and variations that set him apart from the ‘raw speed’ bowlers favored by the selectors. He pointed out that Baartman’s tactical execution makes him virtually unplayable in the death overs, a phase where the Proteas have historically struggled. Steyn’s post sparked a massive reaction from the cricketing community, with many agreeing that the selection panel, led by Patrick Moroney, may have prioritized reputation over recent statistical dominance. By labeling Baartman the country’s best, Steyn has put immense pressure on the chosen pace attack to justify their inclusion when the tournament kicks off next month.

Also READ: 8 South African players who featured in T20 World Cup 2024 but won’t play in 2026 edition

Unrivaled domestic dominance for the excluded pacer

The numbers certainly support Steyn’s outrage, as Baartman has officially become the leading wicket-taker in SA20 history during the 2025-26 season. Now playing for the Paarl Royals, Baartman has already claimed 11 wickets in just four matches at a remarkable average of 12.27, recently surpassing Marco Jansen to take the top spot with 52 career wickets in the competition. His international record is equally impressive; since his T20I debut in May 2024, the 32-year-old has taken 22 wickets in 17 matches at an average of 21.59. Despite being a key part of the squad that reached the World Cup final 2024, he has featured in only 11 of South Africa’s last 29 matches, a trend that has now culminated in a total exclusion from the 2026 global showpiece.

Also READ: England unveils provisional squad for T20 World Cup 2026, no place for Jamie Smith

Experienced wicketkeeper-batter Jonny Bairstow has expressed his take about England’s prospects at the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, scheduled to be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka. With the tournament fast approaching, Bairstow believes England’s depth of experience and growing familiarity with subcontinent conditions will play a decisive role in shaping their campaign.

Balanced and bold provisional squad for England

England recently unveiled their provisional 15-member squad for the marquee event, drawing attention for a mix of seasoned campaigners and bold selections. One of the most talked-about inclusions has been fast bowler Josh Tongue, who is yet to make his limited-overs debut for England. The selection underlines England’s willingness to back potential and raw skill alongside proven performers.

The leadership mantle has been handed to Harry Brook, marking a new chapter in England’s white-ball journey. The squad also boasts experienced names such as Jos Buttler, Adil Rashid, and Jofra Archer, ensuring a strong core of players who have performed on the biggest stages.

Jonny Bairstow opens up on England’s chances at the T20 World Cup 2026

Currently featuring for Sunrisers Eastern Cape in the SA20 League, Bairstow was asked about England’s chances in Asian conditions, traditionally considered challenging for visiting teams. The veteran batter stressed that the current England setup is far better prepared than in the past, thanks to frequent tours and franchise cricket exposure in the region.

According to Bairstow, several England players have spent considerable time playing in India and Sri Lanka, allowing them to understand pitches, climate, and tactical nuances. This accumulated experience, he feels, will help England adapt quickly once the tournament begins.

Bairstow placed particular emphasis on Buttler’s success in the Indian Premier League (IPL), describing it as a valuable knowledge base for the squad. Buttler’s understanding of Indian conditions, bowlers, and match situations is expected to benefit younger or less experienced players in the group.

Also READ: England unveils provisional squad for T20 World Cup 2026, no place for Jamie Smith

Bairstow noted that such shared insights can bridge gaps for those who have not played extensively in the subcontinent, creating a more unified and confident unit ahead of the global event.

“Look, they’ve got a lot of experience, haven’t they? People have been playing over there, such as Jos Buttler, who is doing exceptionally well in the Indian Premier League. So, he’ll be passing on knowledge to guys who haven’t got quite as much. And we’ll wait and see,” Bairstow told reporters.

Preparations begin with Sri Lanka tour

England’s road to the T20 World Cup will begin with a tour of Sri Lanka, where they are scheduled to play three ODIs followed by three T20Is starting January 22. The series is expected to serve as an important preparatory phase, offering players valuable match practice in similar conditions to those they will encounter during the World Cup. England will open their T20 World Cup 2026 campaign against Nepal on February 8.

Also READ: No Mohammad Rizwan as Pakistan unveils provisional squad for the T20 World Cup 2026

As the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 approaches, the global cricketing fraternity has been dissecting India‘s bold squad selection. While the return of Ishan Kishan and the shock omission of former vice-captain Shubman Gill grabbed the headlines, it is the exclusion of a veteran pace spearhead that has caught the attention of South African legend AB de Villiers. De Villiers, who shared a dressing room with many Indian stars at RCB, noted that while the squad is formidable, the absence of this ‘unlucky’ veteran highlights a significant shift in India’s tactical philosophy.

AB de Villiers calls it ‘unlucky’ for Indian pacer to miss the 15-member T20 World Cup 2026 squad

Speaking on his YouTube channel on January 5, 2026, De Villiers labeled Mohammed Siraj as one of the unluckiest players to miss out on India’s 15-member World Cup squad. Despite Siraj’s world-class performance in the recent Test series against England and a solid IPL 2025 season for the Gujarat Titans, the selectors opted for youth and batting depth in the form of Harshit Rana. De Villiers admitted that while Rana lacks international experience, his ability to ‘chip in with the bat’ gave him the edge as the third seamer alongside Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh.

“We see Siraj in the ODI squad, he is one of the unlucky guys to miss out. But that is once again down to the balance. You have got Bumrah and Arshdeep. Harshit [Rana] can hold the bat as well. So there are your three seamers. I think that is the reason why you went for Harshit because Siraj is only an outright bowler.” De Villiers said.

Also READ: 4 Australian players who featured in T20 World Cup 2024 but won’t play in 2026 edition

De Villiers explains India’s strategy for the T20 World Cup tournament

De Villiers further explained that India’s strategy for the 2026 tournament, hosted in India and Sri Lanka, has shifted away from a reliance on seam bowling. By selecting a spin-heavy unit featuring Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakaravarthy and Washington Sundar, the team management views the pacers’ role as secondary. De Villiers concluded that India has all bases covered, noting that even if a spearhead like Bumrah has a quiet night, the depth in the spin department and the presence of all-rounders like Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube will allow India to maintain momentum.

“They do not want to focus too much on seam bowling. The focus is on the spinners. If they get wickets with the seamers upfront, they almost see it as a bonus in a way. So Siraj is unlucky but at least he is in the ODI plans moving forward for the 2027 World Cup.” De Villiers concluded.

Also READ: 8 South African players who featured in T20 World Cup 2024 but won’t play in 2026 edition

Virat Kohli‘s superstardom has long transcended the boundaries of the cricket pitch, establishing him as a global icon whose reach rivals the world’s most elite athletes. While he remains a demigod in India, his influence abroad has seen a massive surge, making him one of the most followed and recognizable figures across the United Kingdom, Australia and the United States.

Indian superstar Virat Kohli to join forces with Mr Beast?

This international fame was once again was on a show when on January 5, 2026, when the world’s most-subscribed YouTuber, Mr Beast (Jimmy Donaldson), made a public plea to collaborate with the Indian legend. During an exclusive interview with NDTV ahead of the global launch of Beast Games Season 2, Donaldson looked directly into the camera and said, “Hey Virat Kohli, I’m trying to film with you.”

This isn’t the first time the creator has reached out; he previously tweeted a similar request in early 2025, which went viral but remained unanswered. MrBeast highlighted that India is one of his largest and most passionate audience bases, and a crossover with Kohli, who has over 270 million Instagram followers, would likely break global viewership records. Fans are now eagerly watching to see if the ‘King’ of cricket will finally step into the world of high-stakes YouTube challenges.

MrBeast reacts to Indian fans and expresses his desire to collaborate with King Virat Kohli 🔥

pic.twitter.com/1yDXeXggfQ

— Sarcasm (@sarcastic_us) January 5, 2026

Mr Beast games Season 2 and the CarryMinati feature

The timing of MrBeast’s appeal coincides with his massive push into the Indian market through his Prime Video series, Beast Games. During the same interview, Donaldson officially confirmed that Indian YouTube icon CarryMinati (Ajey Nagar) will feature in the second season of the show. Set to premiere on January 7, 2026, Beast Games Season 2 will feature 200 contestants, split into 100 of the world’s strongest and 100 of the smartest minds, battling for a historic $5 million prize. By including CarryMinati, MrBeast is leveraging the localized ‘creator economy’ to ensure his show resonates with the millions of fans in the subcontinent. He noted that the new season has moved away from ‘random luck’ eliminations to more skill-based challenges, aiming to make the massive cash prize feel truly earned by the victor.

Also READ: Dwayne Bravo reveals his all-time T20 World XI; no place for Rohit Sharma and AB de Villiers

Kohli’s domestic dominance and focus on New Zealand ODIs

While the digital world buzzes over a potential collaboration, Kohli’s immediate priority remains firmly on the cricket pitch as he prepares for India’s first international assignment of 2026. After a sensational stint in the Vijay Hazare Trophy for Delhi, where he silenced critics by smashing 131 against Andhra Pradesh and a quick-fire 77 against Gujarat, Kohli has opted out of the final domestic match against Railways to join the national squad. He will enter the three-match ODI series against New Zealand, starting January 11 in Vadodara, in red-hot form, having finished 2025 as India’s highest run-getter with 651 runs. Standing on the cusp of major career milestones, including becoming the quickest to 16,000 List A runs, Kohli appears more focused on extending his record-breaking streak than his YouTube debut.

Also READ: Aakash Chopra predicts the winner and Orange Cap holder for WPL 2026 edition

Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting has thrown his weight behind India’s T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav, explaining how the star cricketer can return to the fearless style that once made him one of the most destructive batters in world cricket. With the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 set to begin on February 7, Ponting believes Suryakumar’s experience and self-belief will be crucial for India’s campaign.

A surprising slump for Suryakumar Yadav in T20Is

Suryakumar’s dip in form during the 2025 T20I season raised eyebrows across the cricketing fraternity. Known for his innovative stroke play and ability to dominate bowlers in all phases of an innings, the Indian skipper endured an unusually lean run. Across 19 T20I innings in 2025, he scored only 218 runs at an average of 13.62, with a strike rate of 123.16. Notably, he failed to register a single half-century, with his highest score being an unbeaten 47.

Ponting admitted that the numbers were unexpected for a player of Suryakumar’s calibre. The former Australian great highlighted that consistency had long been one of the Indian batter’s biggest strengths, making his recent struggles even more surprising.

“That’s as big a surprise for me, just looking at his recent form. He’s been such a solid and consistent contributor for India in T20 cricket for a long time and just hasn’t been able to find it of late. He’s an interesting one because when I’ve seen him play his best, he’s taken six or eight or 10 balls to get going and then just lets it all go,” Ponting told ICC.

Ponting explains how Suryakumar can regain his form

Ponting stressed that the key to Suryakumar’s revival lies in mindset rather than technique. According to Ponting, when Suryakumar is at his best, he allows himself a brief settling-in period before unleashing his full range of shots without fear of dismissal. The Tasmanian drew parallels with Travis Head, noting that both players thrive when they focus on scoring freely instead of worrying about getting out. He advised Suryakumar to think about run-making, trust his instincts, and back the methods that have already proven successful at the highest level.

“He plays all of his shots and backs himself and a bit like Travis Head where it almost looks like they don’t ever fear getting out. That’s what I’d say to him. I’d be saying, think about scoring runs, don’t think about getting out. Trust yourself, back yourself. You’re proven to be as good as anybody in the world in the T20 format and go and prove it to everybody once again,” added Ponting.

Also READ: Ricky Ponting selects Australia’s 16-man squad for Ashes 2027; picks two uncapped players

Stark contrast between international and IPL form for Surya

What has puzzled experts and fans alike is the sharp contrast between Suryakumar’s international struggles and his dominant performances in franchise cricket. During the IPL 2025 season, he was in sensational touch for Mumbai Indians, finishing as the franchise’s leading run-scorer with 717 runs. He averaged an astonishing 65.18 and struck at 167.91, regularly dismantling bowling attacks with ease. This disparity suggests that the issue is not a decline in skill but perhaps the added pressure of leadership and expectations at the international level.

As India’s T20I captain, Suryakumar’s form carries added significance. His performances at the upcoming World Cup will be closely scrutinized, not only for their impact on India’s results but also for what they signal about his leadership under pressure.

Also READ: Who is Khushi Mukherjee? The actress who made bold claims against Suryakumar Yadav

The fourth edition of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 is set to ignite on January 9, bringing a month of high-octane cricket to Mumbai and Vadodara. Following India’s historic ODI World Cup 2025 triumph, the domestic league has reached a fever pitch, with fans eager to see the world’s best talents return to Indian shores. This season features an expanded schedule and a renewed focus on aggressive, result-oriented play. Among the five competing franchises, the Gujarat Giants have become the center of attention due to a series of high-profile staff and roster overhauls.

Gujarat Titans bring in three-time World Cup winner as fielding coach for WPL 2026

In a landmark move to fortify their defense, the Giants have officially appointed legendary England wicketkeeper-batter and three-time World Cup winner Sarah Taylor as their new fielding coach for WPL 2026. Taylor, widely regarded as one of the most technically gifted cricketers in history, brings a wealth of tactical experience from both the women’s and men’s professional circuits.

Speaking to IANS on January 6, 2026, Taylor emphasized a culture of fearlessness and precision ahead of their tournament opener. “The focus is to get the girls ready for the first game on the 10th, while also ensuring they enjoy themselves and play with real aggression in the field. Matches can often be won or lost through fielding, catches, run-outs, and moments like those, so we want the girls to be fully prepared and ready for whatever comes their way,” Taylor stated.

Taylor’s appointment is a clear statement of intent from the Adani-owned franchise, which has identified fielding lapses as a primary reason for their previous struggles. By integrating Taylor into a coaching staff that includes head coach Michael Klinger and bowling coach Pravin Tambe, the Giants are banking on her ‘Gold Standard’ expertise to transform them into the sharpest unit in the league.

Also READ: Aakash Chopra predicts the winner and Orange Cap holder for WPL 2026 edition

The Giants’ road to redemption ahead of WPL 2026 

The Giants will enter WPL 2026 with the weight of history on their shoulders and a desperate need for consistency. After finishing at the rock bottom of the points table in the first two seasons (2023 and 2024), the franchise finally tasted success in WPL 2025, achieving a historic milestone by qualifying for the playoffs for the first time.

Under the tactical leadership of Australian all-rounder Ashleigh Gardner, who replaced Beth Mooney as captain last season, the Giants secured a third-place finish with a balanced record of four wins and four losses. For the 2026 edition, the franchise has doubled down on this winning formula by retaining Gardner as captain for a staggering ₹3.5 crore.

The squad has been significantly bolstered with marquee signings, including New Zealand icon Sophie Devine and India’s swing specialist Renuka Singh Thakur. With a revamped roster featuring power-hitters like Danni Wyatt-Hodge and emerging Indian talents like Kashvee Gautam and Titas Sadhu, the Giants are no longer the league’s underdogs. Gardner’s retention as the first overseas player to lead the team full-time signals a long-term vision to move beyond the Eliminator and secure their maiden WPL title.

Also READ: From emerging player to WPL 2026 winner: Deepti Sharma shares bold predictions for the Women’s Premier League

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

Australia’s premier all-rounder Annabel Sutherland has once again stamped her authority at the top of world cricket, reclaiming the No.1 position in the latest ICC Women’s T20I Bowling Rankings. The updated list, released on Tuesday, sees India’s Deepti Sharma slip to second, marking another significant twist in an intense battle for supremacy among elite bowlers in the shortest format.

A familiar peak for Annabel Sutherland

Sutherland returned to the top with a rating of 736, mirroring the exact tally she held when she first ascended to No.1 in August 2025. The achievement underlines her remarkable consistency across conditions and opposition. Known for her ability to strike at crucial moments and maintain control through the middle overs, the Australian all-rounder continues to set the benchmark in T20I bowling.

While Deepti’s time at the summit was brief, her drop does little to dent her standing among the world’s best. The Indian off-spinner remains a vital cog in India’s white-ball setup and firmly entrenched in the upper echelon of the rankings.

India vs Sri Lanka clash drives batting gains

The latest rankings update has been influenced heavily by the recent Women’s T20I in Thiruvananthapuram on December 30, where India posted a competitive 175 for 7. The match saw three Indian batters cross the fifty-run mark, highlighting the depth and form of the home side’s batting unit.

India captain Harmanpreet Kaur played a defining role with a commanding 68 off 43 deliveries. Her knock, blending power with composure, helped her climb two places to 13th in the T20I batting rankings, taking her rating to 634 points and reinforcing her status as one of the format’s most influential batters.

Also READ: Aakash Chopra predicts the winner and Orange Cap holder for WPL 2026 edition

Sri Lankan batters make rapid strides

Despite Sri Lanka falling short in the chase, the visitors found major positives with the bat. Opener Hasini Perera led the resistance with a fluent 65 from 42 balls. Her performance resulted in a dramatic jump of 31 places, lifting her to 40th in the batting rankings with 490 points, one of the biggest gains in the latest update.

Perera received strong support from Imesh Dulani, who impressed with an assured 50 off 39 balls, laced with eight boundaries. Remarkably, just six matches into her international T20 career, Dulani surged 77 places to enter the top 100 batters for the first time, signalling a promising future.

All-round impact of Deepti Sharma

Although Deepti lost the No.1 bowling ranking, she enjoyed a solid outing, returning figures of 1 for 28 from her four overs. That display ensured she retained third place in the T20I all-rounder rankings with 382 points. Fellow Indian Arundhati Reddy also made notable progress, jumping 21 places to 44th in the all-rounder list after scoring a brisk 27 not out off 11 balls and picking up a wicket. Away from international rankings, Sutherland will miss the upcoming Women’s Premier League (WPL) season after withdrawing from the tournament. Her franchise, Delhi Capitals, have named Alana King as her replacement, adding another experienced Australian to their squad.

Also READ: From emerging player to WPL 2026 winner: Deepti Sharma shares bold predictions for the Women’s Premier League

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

An extraordinary piece of fielding from Matthew Breetzke provided the standout moment in an otherwise one-sided SA20 2026 contest, as Sunrisers Eastern Cape cruised to a dominant 10-wicket win over Pretoria Capitals at SuperSport Park, Centurion. Breetzke’s sensational sliding catch to dismiss Dewald Brevis briefly ignited the crowd, but it proved to be a rare highlight for the home side on a night controlled almost entirely by the Sunrisers.

Pretoria Capitals post a competitive total

After winning the toss, Pretoria Capitals elected to bat first and posted a respectable 176/7 in their 20 overs. The innings was anchored by Connor Esterhuizen, who played with composure and intent to score 52 off 33 deliveries. His knock ensured stability through the middle overs, especially after the Capitals lost early momentum.

Power-hitter Sherfane Rutherford provided the late flourish, remaining unbeaten on 47 and lifting the innings with clean striking in the death overs. Despite those efforts, the Capitals were kept in check by a disciplined bowling display from Sunrisers Eastern Cape, led by pace spearhead Anrich Nortje, who returned impressive figures of 3/32.

Matthew Breetzke’s screamer steals the show

The defining highlight of the first innings came on the third ball of the 16th over. Nortje banged the ball in short, forcing Brevis into an awkward pull. The ball ballooned high towards the deep mid-wicket region, where Breetzke charged in from the boundary, judged the ball perfectly, and completed a stunning low sliding catch.

It was a moment that showcased athleticism, awareness, and safe hands under pressure — a ‘blinder’ that instantly went viral and drew applause from both dugouts. While it did little to alter the course of the match, it underlined Breetzke’s growing reputation as an elite fielder in the South African circuit.

Here’s the video:

Matthew Breetzke takes flight and takes an absolute spekky 💯#BetwaySA20 #PCvSEC #WelcomeToIncredible pic.twitter.com/8oA4qUAzpm

— Betway SA20 (@SA20_League) January 5, 2026

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Quinton de Kock and Jonny Bairstow make light work of the chase

Any hopes Pretoria had of defending 176 were swiftly extinguished by a ruthless opening partnership. Quinton de Kock and Jonny Bairstow delivered a batting masterclass, chasing down the target without losing a wicket in just 14.2 overs.

De Kock was elegance personified, finishing unbeaten on 79, striking five fours and six sixes, while Bairstow matched him blow for blow with an explosive 85 not out, decorated with eight boundaries and six maximums. The duo dismantled the Capitals’ bowling attack with authority, combining power and placement to perfection.

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