Indian cricket fans awaiting the return of star batter Shreyas Iyer will have to wait a little longer. Despite promising signs of recovery at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence (CoE), the 30-year-old middle-order mainstay is expected to miss the upcoming three-match ODI series against New Zealand, starting January 11, 2026.

While Iyer has resumed batting in the nets, a combination of medical caution and physical benchmarks has forced the selection committee to hit the pause button on his international return.

Reason why Shreyas Iyer will not play the New Zealand series

The primary reason for Iyer’s exclusion is the failure to secure the mandatory Return to Play (RTP) clearance. According to media reports, while Iyer’s batting appears “pain-free” and fluent, his overall physical conditioning hasn’t yet reached the elite standards required for international cricket. The medical staff is particularly concerned about his ability to field for a full 50-over match. High-intensity movements—such as diving, sliding, and rapid-fire throwing—put significant strain on the abdominal region, which is still healing from his recent surgery.

Notably, the spleen laceration with internal bleeding that Iyer suffered in October was a life-threatening injury. The subsequent recovery and surgical procedure led to a significant physical setback. He has reportedly lost approximately 6 kg during his time in the hospital and early rehab. A more pressing concern for the BCCI trainers is the loss of muscle mass, which has directly impacted his “optimum strength levels.”

Also READ: Aakash Chopra names Indian cricket’s top 5 defining moments of 2025

A blow to Mumbai’s Vijay Hazare hopes

To prove his fitness, Iyer was slated to play for Mumbai in the Vijay Hazare Trophy on January 3 and 6. However, without the CoE’s green signal, he will miss these crucial competitive games. The current plan now sees him potentially returning only for the knockout stages of the domestic tournament (starting January 12), which effectively rules him out of the New Zealand ODIs.

Also READ: Rajeev Shukla reacts amid mounting speculation around Gautam Gambhir’s future as India head coach

Khushi Mukherjee, a Bollywood actress and reality TV star known for MTV Splitsvilla, has ignited social media buzz by claiming Indian T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav messaged her frequently in the past. The remark, made at a recent event amid questions about dating cricketers, quickly went viral, sparking searches and speculation online. While Khushi later clarified their bond as purely friendly, the revelation highlights the intersection of cricket stardom and entertainment glamour.​

Suryakumar Yadav controversy unfolds as Khushi Mukherjee makes bold claims

At a promotional event, reporters quizzed Khushi on romance with cricketers, prompting her candid response: “I don’t want to date any cricketer. There are so many cricketers after me. Suryakumar Yadav used to message me a lot.”

She also added they no longer stay in touch, framing it as past casual interaction tied to his tough match phase. The clip exploded online by December 28, 2025, amassing views amid India’s T20 World Cup defense buildup.​

Khushi swiftly clarified in a News 24 interview, emphasizing friendship: “There was nothing like that between us. We were only good friends… He lost a match, and it made me sad. That’s all.“​

Also READ: Bollywood actress makes startling claim about past messages from India’s T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav

All you need to know about Khushi and her rise to fame

Khushi first stepped into the spotlight through modelling before transitioning to acting, debuting in Tamil cinema with Anjal Thurai in 2013 and Hindi films like Shringaar the same year. Her reality TV breakthrough came with MTV Splitsvilla X in 2017, followed by MTV Love School 3 in 2018, where her bold personality and unfiltered opinions won her a young fanbase.

These appearances catapulted her visibility, leading to TV roles such as Jwala Pari in SAB TV’s Baalveer Returns (2019) and Kaikeyi in &TV’s Kahat Hanuman Jai Shri Ram (2020).​

Beyond television, Khushi carved a niche in the digital space with web series like Gandu (2019), Noorie (2020), Fatherhood (2021), Devika (2023), and recent hits Jungle Mein Dangal (2024) and Kasturi.

Her entrepreneurial side shines through her production house, blending acting with content creation in the OTT boom.

Active on social media with lifestyle posts, she positions herself as an influencer blending fashion, fitness, and materialism. Her journey from regional films to national TV and web stardom reflects resilience in a competitive industry.​​

Khushi’s profile, already rising via fashion-forward red carpet turns and web projects, gains fresh momentum. With no bad blood indicated, the buzz fades into typical showbiz chatter, yet it spotlights her knack for staying relevant.

Also READ: Aakash Chopra names Indian cricket’s top 5 defining moments of 2025

As the sun sets on 2025, the SA20 brings a New Year’s Eve blockbuster to the iconic Newlands Cricket Ground. Both MI Cape Town and Pretoria Capitals are desperate for their first win of the season, making this Match 8 a high-stakes encounter to kick off the festivities.

The “Home Side” has shown flashes of brilliance but lacked the finishing touch. Ryan Rickelton has been in sensational form, coming off a blistering century in the opener, while Nicholas Pooran remains one of the most dangerous T20 hitters globally. With Rashid Khan leading the attack and Trent Boult swinging the new ball, MICT has the pedigree to dominate if they can stay consistent through the middle overs.

It’s been a sluggish start for the Capitals, who have struggled to find momentum in their first two outings. Their batting unit, featuring the explosive Will Smeed and the steady Shai Hope, hasn’t quite fired in unison yet. However, the bowling department remains a threat; Tymal Mills has been among the wickets, and captain Keshav Maharaj will look to exploit any grip the Newlands surface offers.

MICT vs PC, SA20 2026: Match details

• Date and Time: December 31; 9 pm IST / 3 am GMT / 5:30 pm Local
• Venue: Newlands, Cape Town

MICT vs PC, Head-to-Head Record in SA20

Matches played: 6 | MI Cape Town won: 3 | Pretoria Capitals won: 3 | No result/Tied: 0

Newlands Pitch Report:

Historically, Newlands offers a bit of pace and bounce early on, which will excite Kagiso Rabada and Trent Boult. However, recent trends show it has become a batting-friendly venue as the game progresses. Chasing is often preferred here (58% win rate for the team batting second), especially with the possibility of late evening dew.

Also READ: Sunrisers Eastern Cape skittle Paarl Royals for SA20’s lowest-ever total in one-sided win

Squads:

Pretoria Capitals: Will Smeed, Bryce Parsons, Shai Hope (wk), Dewald Brevis, Connor Esterhuizen, Sherfane Rutherford, Wihan Lubbe, Keshav Maharaj (c), Codi Yusuf, Tymal Mills, Lungi Ngidi, Daniel Smith, Roston Chase, Lizaad Williams, Sibonelo Makhanya, Keith Dudgeon, Junaid Dawood, Gideon Peters, Meeka eel Prince

MI Cape Town: Rassie van der Dussen, Ryan Rickelton (wk), Reeza Hendricks, Jason Smith, Nicholas Pooran, Dwaine Pretorius, George Linde, Rashid Khan (c), Corbin Bosch, Karim Janat, Trent Boult, Tristan Luus, Dane Piedt, Kagiso Rabada, Tom Moores, Jacques Snyman, Tiaan van Vuuren, Daniel Lategan, Thomas Kaber

MICT vs PC, SA20 2026: Today’s Match Prediction

Case 1:

• MI Cape Town wins the toss and bowls first
• Pretoria Capitals’ powerplay score: 40-50 (6 overs)
• Pretoria Capitals’ total score: 160-170

Case 2:

• Pretoria Capitals wins the toss and bowls first
• MI Cape Town’s powerplay score: 50-60 (6 overs)
• MI Cape Town’s total score: 175-195

Match result: Team bowling first to win the contest

Also READ: SA20 unveils elite match officials panel for the 2025-26 season

Veteran pacer Mohammed Shami is firmly in contention for a return to international cricket, with India’s three-match ODI series against New Zealand scheduled to begin on January 11, 2026. After months on the sidelines following injury, Shami’s impressive domestic performances have caught the attention of selectors, especially with Jasprit Bumrah set to be rested for the series.

India’s selection panel is closely monitoring Shami’s fitness, but the early signs suggest the experienced seamer could be entrusted with leading the pace attack in the ODIs. The move is also seen as part of a broader roadmap towards the 2027 ODI World Cup, where experience is expected to play a crucial role.

Domestic performances strengthen Mohammed Shami’s case

Shami has made a compelling statement through his performances in domestic cricket across formats. Representing Bengal, he has picked up 17 wickets in six recent limited-overs matches. This includes six wickets in three Vijay Hazare Trophy games, highlighted by a tidy spell of 3 for 40 against Chandigarh. In the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, he added another 11 wickets, showing consistency and control in the shorter format.

His red-ball form has been equally impressive. Shami claimed 20 wickets in just four Ranji Trophy matches, underlining that his rhythm and stamina have returned following injury concerns. Notably, his last appearance for India came in the Champions Trophy final in March 2025, where he finished as joint-highest wicket-taker with nine scalps, reinforcing his pedigree on the big stage.

Also READ: Rishabh Pant vs Ishan Kishan – Selectors rethink about backup wicketkeeper for New Zealand ODIs

Selectors set to prioritise experience over youth

According to multiple reports, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) have confirmed that Shami “is not out of reckoning,” stressing that fitness remains the only box to tick. One of the BCCI officials noted that the Bengal pacer is “looking good for the New Zealand One-Day series” and hinted that his selection should not come as a surprise.

With Bumrah rested for the ODIs to manage his workload ahead of T20I series and the T20 World Cup 2026, the selectors are keen to rely on Shami’s experience rather than blooding younger options such as Harshit Rana or Prasidh Krishna. The belief is that Shami’s calm presence and tactical awareness can anchor a relatively transitional ODI unit.

If recalled, Shami is expected to spearhead the pace attack alongside Arshdeep Singh, forming a balanced combination of experience and youth. The ODI series will be played on January 11 in Vadodara, January 14 in Rajkot and January 18 in Indore, offering Shami ample opportunity to re-establish himself in the 50-over setup.

Also READ: R Ashwin, Darren Lehmann and others send best wishes as Damien Martyn fights with meningitis

In a high-voltage Elite Group C clash of the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26 at Jaipuria Vidyalaya Ground in Jaipur, Mumbai posted a mammoth 444/8 after Goa captain Deepraj Gaonkar opted to field first on Wednesday. The match, part of the domestic 50-over spectacle, saw Mumbai’s batters unleash fury on a batting-friendly surface, setting a towering target that left fans buzzing online. Social media erupted with admiration for Sarfaraz Khan‘s masterclass, as clips of his towering sixes went viral, hailing him as a white-ball beast knocking on national selectors’ doors.​

Sarfaraz Khan’s power-packed century against Goa

Sarfaraz stole the show, bludgeoning 157 runs off just 75 balls, laced with 9 fours and a staggering 14 sixes at a strike rate of 209.33, propelling Mumbai past 400. Walking in at 101/2 after Yashasvi Jaiswal‘s gritty 46 and Musheer Khan‘s 60, Sarfaraz reached his ton in 56 balls, treating Goa’s bowlers like ragdolls amid sparse support from partners. He fell in the 42nd over to Darshan Misal, caught by sub fielder Shubham Desai, but not before rocketing Mumbai to 340/6, his aggressive onslaught including a six to hit 150 on the 72nd ball.​

Goa’s attack, featuring Arjun Tendulkar (0/78) and Vasuki Koushik (2/60), leaked runs freely, with Misal’s 3/98 and Lalit Yadav‘s 2/93 proving costly. Fans flooded platforms with “Sarfaraz for India ODIs” chants, praising his timing and power ahead of the New Zealand series, as his knock echoed his prior domestic exploits like 55 vs Uttarakhand.

Also READ: Dhruv Jurel notches highest List A score of his career in Vijay Hazare Trophy clash

Here’s how fans reacted:

🚨 SARFARAZ KHAN SMASHED 157 RUNS FROM 75 BALLS IN VHT😍🔥

– Sarfaraz Khan in Superime Form pic.twitter.com/K4ab8KlreC

— Mycric (@MyCric101) December 31, 2025

🚨Sarfaraz Khan today
​Finished with 157 off 75!

Not a “red-ball player” anymore—he’s a “proper all-format player Now.

​#SarfarazKhan #VijayHazareTrophy pic.twitter.com/LImrA1aKie

— Karthick (@Karthik18728343) December 31, 2025

SARFARAZ KHAN SMASHED 157 RUNS FROM 75 BALLS IN VIJAY HAZARE TROPHY 😍🔥

– The Super King boy.#VijayHazare #Cricket26 pic.twitter.com/5fYBHuSXeM

— Farhan (@fnhindustani) December 31, 2025

Sarfaraz Khan in VHT (2025-26 )

8* ( 5 ) First Match
55 (49 ) Second Match
157 (75 ) Third Match

In the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26, Sarfaraz is in sensational form for Mumbai he smashed a breathtaking 157 off just 75 balls against Goa, helping Mumbai post 444/8… pic.twitter.com/Te5DmwhGNZ

— D.S. Bhati (@DSCricinfo789) December 31, 2025

Brotherly brilliance on display in Jaipur 🌟

Sarfaraz Khan shines bright with a scintillating knock of 1️⃣5️⃣7️⃣ in 7️⃣5️⃣ balls while Musheer Khan played a solid knock of 6️⃣0️⃣ against Goa 🔥🏏 #SarfarazKhan #MusheerKhan #MCA #VijayHazareTrophy #Insidesport #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/QgZi7ILlWc

— Shaikh Faizan (@shaikhfaizan45) December 31, 2025

A 56-ball TON 🔥

Another blistering knock from Sarfaraz Khan — after his 47-ball 💯 earlier this month, he now smashes 157(75) 🤯

Relentless.#Cricket #SarfarazKhan #India pic.twitter.com/BtzypWlc0w

— Nadhvi Irfan (@nadhvi_irfan) December 31, 2025

🤩 Take a bow, Sarfaraz Khan 🤩

The Mumbai batter has smashed a 75-ball 157 against Goa in the Vijay Hazare Trophy match – including 𝟗 𝐟𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝟏𝟒 𝐬𝐢𝐱𝐞𝐬 #VijayHazareTrophy2025 https://t.co/Lqx8k2CvMQ

— واجاد (@rahmatkhan6y) December 31, 2025

SARFARAZ KHAN SMASS 157 RUNS FROM JUST 75 BALL AGAINST GOA IN MUM VS GOA MATCH VIJAY HAZARE TROPHY 🏆 pic.twitter.com/29kEpolqkY

— Hardik Patel (@HardikP97613658) December 31, 2025

Sarfaraz Khan Carnage at jaipur. 157 runs of just 75 balls with 14 sixes6️⃣✅#CSK #sarfarazkhan @ChennaiIPL pic.twitter.com/jvJE8EdvUu

— Kkkk (@kunaaaaal09) December 31, 2025

SARFARAZ KHAN SMASHED 157 RUNS FROM 75 BALLS IN VIJAY HAZARE Trophy, he is in CSK hope he will get matches to showcase his Talent #Sarfarazkhan pic.twitter.com/WRNmK6HqeW

— Kaushlendra Pratap Singh (Kaushal Yadav) (@kaushalyadav85) December 31, 2025

What a fantastic knock from Sarfaraz Khan against Goa in #VijayHazareTrophy 🔥

– 157 runs off just 75 balls with 14 sixes ⚡#cricket #SarfarazKhan #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/X7TXXDStJj

— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) December 31, 2025

Mumbai posts a mammoth target against Goa in VHT 2025-26

Mumbai came out swinging and never really took their foot off the accelerator. The innings began at a furious pace, with the openers rattling along to 31 without loss before Angkrish Raghuvanshi’s brief stay ended on 11. Jaiswal then steadied things alongside Musheer, the pair calmly rebuilding and pushing the score past 100 for the first wicket. Even after Musheer’s departure, Mumbai were well placed at 194 for three, setting the stage for a full-blown assault. Sarfaraz took charge from there, turning the innings on its head with a burst of fearless strokeplay that sent the run rate soaring.

The wickets of Siddhesh Lad and skipper Shardul Thakur fell in quick succession, but they did little to halt the charge as Mumbai surged to 281 for five. Once Sarfaraz departed, Hardik Tamore ensured the momentum stayed intact, smashing a rapid 53 off just 28 balls. He found useful support from Shams Mulani and an aggressive Tanush Kotian, while Tushar Deshpande chipped in at the end. Extras also played their part as Mumbai piled on the runs, eventually closing at a daunting 444 for eight in their 50 overs. Goa now face a stiff chase of 445, as Mumbai strengthen their grip at the top of Group C with a perfect run so far, while Goa remain second after solid wins earlier in the tournament.

Also WATCH: Rohit Sharma’s cute reaction to fans ‘vada pav khaoge’ query during Vijay Hazare Trophy match

The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has unveiled their 15-man squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup, scheduled to be held in India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8, 2026. Star leg-spinner Rashid Khan will lead a balanced squad that blends experienced campaigners with emerging talent.

Afghanistan have been placed in Pool D alongside New Zealand, South Africa, United Arab Emirates and Canada. Their campaign begins with a high-profile opener against New Zealand on February 8 in Chennai, a venue expected to assist Afghanistan’s renowned spin attack.

Experienced core anchors Afghanistan’s campaign

The squad features a strong spine of proven performers. Dynamic opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Mohammad Ishaq will share wicketkeeping duties, while Ibrahim Zadran has been named vice-captain. The middle order is bolstered by seasoned allrounders Mohammad Nabi and Azmatullah Omarzai, offering both stability and flexibility.

Afghanistan’s bowling attack remains heavily spin-oriented, with Rashid joined by left-arm wrist-spinner Noor Ahmad and mystery off-spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman. The pace department is led by Fazalhaq Farooqi, providing variety alongside swing and seam.

Gulbadin Naib returns as big-match player

One of the most talked-about inclusions is veteran allrounder Gulbadin Naib, who returned to the T20I setup after limited recent appearances. Afghanistan chief selector Ahmad Shah Sulimankhil described Naib as a “big-match player,” a reputation earned through years of clutch performances.

Naib has amassed 986 at a strike rate of 121.57 and claimed 35 wickets across 78 T20Is. His calm finishing ability was on display during the 2024 T20 World Cup semi-final, where his unbeaten 15 off nine balls against South Africa played a decisive role in Afghanistan’s historic run.

Naveen-ul-Haq strengthens the seam attack

Fast bowler Naveen-ul-Haq also made a timely comeback after recovering from a shoulder injury. At just 26, Naveen has already built an impressive T20I record, with 67 wickets at an average of 18.73 and an economy rate of 7.78.

His experience in franchise leagues, including the IPL and CPL, adds significant value. Naveen’s variations are expected to complement Farooqi’s left-arm pace, giving Afghanistan greater flexibility on flatter Indian surfaces.

Abdullah Ahmadzai receives maiden World Cup call-up

Young pacer Abdullah Ahmadzai received a maiden World Cup call-up, while left-handed batter Shahidullah Kamal retained his spot to provide balance in the middle order. Spinner AM Ghazanfar, despite strong performances, has been named among the reserves along with Ijaz Ahmadzai and Zia Ur Rahman Sharifi.

Afghanistan will use a T20I series against West Indies in the UAE from January 19 to 22 as preparation.

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

Afghanistan squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026:

Rashid Khan (captain), Abdullah Ahmadzai, Sediqullah Atal, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Naveen-ul-Haq, Mohammad Ishaq, Shahidullah Kamal, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Darwish Rasooli, Ibrahim Zadran, Noor Ahmad

Reserves: Allah Ghazanfar, Ijaz Ahmadzai, Zia Ur Rahman Sharifi.

Also READ: Shubman Gill dropped, Ishan Kishan & Rinku Singh return as India unveil squad for T20 World Cup 2026

Sunrisers Eastern Cape enter this clash as form team and favourites, while Paarl Royals are desperate to hit reset after a tough start to the season. With contrasting momentum and a seamer-friendly St George’s Park on offer, this shapes as a high-intensity SA20 contest.​

Sunrisers Eastern Cape have begun SA20 2025-26 with two wins in two games and sit at the top of the table, reflecting a well-rounded, in-form unit.​ Paarl Royals have played just one game and were thrashed by Sunrisers earlier in the tournament, leaving them at the bottom and under early pressure.​ Eastern Cape also dominated the head-to-head earlier this season with a massive 137-run victory, a result that will strongly influence both confidence and tactics in this game.

SEC vs PR, SA20 2025-26: Match details

• Date and Time: December 31 (Wednesday); 04:30 pm IST / 11:00 pm GMT / 1:00 pm Local
• Venue: St George’s Park, Gqeberha

SEC vs PR, Head-to-Head Record in SA20:

Matches played: 7 | Sunrisers Eastern Cape won: 5 | Paarl Royals won: 2 | No result/Tied: 0

St George’s Park Pitch Report

St George’s Park in Gqeberha is expected to favour the bowlers, especially the fast men, much like what has been seen in recent SA20 matches. The pitch generally offers good pace and bounce with a bit of seam movement early on, allowing pacers to make an impact in the opening overs. Spinners have had a tougher time here, with quick bowlers picking up the bulk of the wickets.

Batters will need to spend some time at the crease and play with patience early, as the new ball can be tricky. While the short boundaries can help power-hitters cash in later in the innings, the surface tends to slow down in the middle overs, and the slightly low bounce can often lead to sudden batting collapses. With dew expected to set in during tomorrow evening, conditions could become even more challenging and play a decisive role in the match.

Squads

Sunrisers Eastern Cape: Jonny Bairstow, Quinton de Kock (wk), Tristan Stubbs (c), Lewis Gregory, Matthew Breetzke, Marco Jansen, Patrick Kruger, Senuran Muthusamy, Adam Milne, Anrich Nortje, Chris Wood, Allah Ghazanfar, JP King, Christopher King, Jordan Hermann, Mitchell Van Buuren, Tharindu Rathnayake, James Coles, Beyers Swanepoel, Lutho Sipamla

Paarl Royals: Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Vishen Halambage, Rubin Hermann, Kyle Verreynne (wk), Asa Tribe, David Miller (c), Delano Potgieter, Bjorn Fortuin, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Nqobani Mokoena, Ottneil Baartman, Dan Lawrence, Sikandar Raza, Gudakesh Motie, Hardus Viljoen, Okuhle Cele, Nqabayomzi Peter, Eshan Malinga, Keagan Lion Cachet, Thomas Rew

Also READ: Sunrisers Eastern Cape skittle Paarl Royals for SA20’s lowest-ever total in one-sided win

SEC vs PR, SA20 2025-26: Today’s Match Prediction

Case 1:

• Sunrisers Eastern Cape wins the toss and bowls first
• Paarl Royals’ powerplay score: 45-55 (6 overs)
• Paarl Royals’ total score: 165-175

Case 2:

• Paarl Royals wins the toss and bowls first
• Sunrisers Eastern Cape’s powerplay score: 55-65 (6 overs)
• Sunrisers Eastern Cape’s total score: 170-180

Match result: Team bowling first to win the contest

Also READ: SA20 2026:Full list of commentators and presenters at South Africa’s explosive T20 cricket league

Former Australia batter Damien Martyn is battling meningitis after being admitted to hospital in Brisbane, where he has been placed in an induced coma as doctors continue treatment. The 54-year-old fell seriously ill around Boxing Day, prompting an outpouring of support from across the global cricket community.

“I’m saddened to hear of Damien’s illness. The best wishes of everyone at Cricket Australia and in the wider cricket community are with him at this time,” the governing body’s CEO Todd Greenberg said in his official statement.

Damien Martyn’s treatment update: Doctors treating infection affecting brain and spinal cord

Meningitis is an infection that causes inflammation of the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. According to those familiar with the situation, Martyn was admitted after his condition deteriorated rapidly, leading medical staff to place him in an induced coma to stabilise his body and aid recovery.

While no detailed medical timeline has been shared publicly, Cricket Australia emphasised that Martyn is in expert hands and that the family has requested privacy as treatment continues.

Ravichandran Ashwin, Darren Lehmann lead messages of support 

Off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin was among the first high-profile figures to post a message of recovery for Damien Martyn. “Thoughts are with
@damienmartyn. Prayers to see him bounce back,” he wrote on X.

Thoughts are with @damienmartyn

Prayers to see him bounce back🙏

— Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) December 31, 2025

Former Australia teammate Darren Lehmann also shared an emotional note, writing: “Lots of love and prayers sending Martyn’s way. Keep strong and fighting legend. Love to the family.” The message echoed the sentiments of many from Australia’s celebrated early-2000s dressing room.

Lots of love and prayers sending @damienmartyn way . Keep strong and fighting legend . Love to the family xxx 🙏 ❤️

— Darren Lehmann (@darren_lehmann) December 30, 2025

Also READ: Ashes 2025/26 – Australia coach Andrew McDonald opens up on Usman Khawaja’s retirement talks ahead of Sydney Test

“Sending strength and prayers to my dear friend @damienmartyn
and his family. Wishing him a full and speedy recovery. The entire cricket world stands with you Matto during this tough time,” former India international VVS Laxman captioned his post.

Sending strength and prayers to my dear friend @damienmartyn and his family. Wishing him a full and speedy recovery. The entire cricket world stands with you Matto during this tough time🤗🤗

— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) December 31, 2025

“All our thoughts are with you @damienmartyn,” tweeted cricketer-turned-commentator Michael Vaughan.

Also READ: WPL 2026 – Mumbai Indians name former Australian leggie as new spin bowling coach

India Women wrapped up the T20I series against Sri Lanka on a winning note, defeating the visitors by 15 runs in the fifth and final match at the Greenfield International Stadium. A commanding half-century from Harmanpreet Kaur and a disciplined bowling effort helped the hosts defend a challenging total of 175, despite a strong resistance from Sri Lanka’s top order.

Sri Lanka Women won the toss and opted to bowl first, hoping to exploit early movement under lights. However, India recovered well from a shaky start to post a competitive score, setting up an entertaining run chase in the series finale.

Harmanpreet Kaur anchors India’s innings with sizzling batting

India Women were put under early pressure as Shafali Verma and Gunalan Kamalini departed cheaply, followed soon by Harleen Deol and Richa Ghosh. At one stage, the hosts were searching for stability, and it came through their captain. Harmanpreet produced a captain’s knock, scoring a fluent 68 off 43 balls, laced with nine fours and a six, to rebuild the innings with authority.

Amanjot Kaur provided valuable support with a composed 21, but it was Arundhati Reddy‘s late flourish that lifted India to a strong finish. Reddy smashed 27 off just 11 balls, striking boundaries at will in the death overs to push India Women to 175/7. For Sri Lanka, Kavisha Dilhari and Rashmika Sewwandi were the most effective bowlers, picking up two wickets each, while skipper Chamari Athapaththu also chipped in with two key breakthroughs.

Hasini Perera and Imesha Dulani lead Sri Lanka’s chase

Chasing 176, Sri Lanka Women suffered an early blow as Athapaththu was dismissed cheaply. However, Hasini Perera and Imesha Dulani steadied the innings with an impressive partnership. Perera played an aggressive knock of 65 off 42 balls, finding gaps consistently, while Dulani complemented her well with a composed 50 from 39 deliveries.

The duo kept Sri Lanka firmly in the contest through the middle overs, putting pressure on the Indian bowlers. Despite their efforts, regular wickets at crucial moments prevented Sri Lanka from fully taking control of the chase.

Also READ: Fastest to 10,000 runs in Women’s international cricket ft. Smriti Mandhana

Indian bowlers hold their nerve at the death

With the match finely poised in the final overs, India Women’s bowlers showed composure under pressure. Deepti Sharma, Sneh Rana, Vaishnavi Sharma and Shree Charani picked up one wicket each, while Amanjot and Reddy struck at important junctures to slow the scoring rate.

Sri Lanka managed 160/7 in their 20 overs, falling 15 runs short of the target as India defended their total successfully. The collective bowling effort ensured that late cameos from Rashmika Sewwandi and Malki Madara were not enough to turn the game around. Harmanpreet was deservedly named Player of the Match for her match-defining half-century and calm leadership. Despite a quiet outing in the final game, Shafali was adjudged Player of the Series for her consistent performances throughout the tour.

India won the T20I series, 5-0 🏆#INDvSL #TeamIndia pic.twitter.com/jmuulLdUZU

— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) December 31, 2025

Also READ: Ellyse Perry, Annabel Sutherland pull out of WPL 2026 due to personal reasons

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

Defending champions Mumbai Indians have made a strategic appointment ahead of the Women’s Premier League 2026, naming former Australian leg-spinner as their new spin bowling coach. The 41-year-old joins head coach Lisa Keightley, fast-bowling coach Jhulan Goswami, batting coach Devika Palshikar, and fielding coach Nicole Bolton in a revamped support staff aimed at securing a third title in four seasons. The fourth WPL edition kicks off on January 9, 2026, with MI facing Royal Challengers Bengaluru at DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai. This move underscores MI’s commitment to blending international expertise with their signature winning culture as they prepare for a high-stakes campaign.​

Mumbai Indians bring in Australia’s spin ace as bowling coach for WPL 2026

MI’s new spin bowling coach Kristen Beams carved out a notable international career for Australia from 2014 to 2017, featuring in one Test, 30 ODIs where she claimed 42 wickets at an average of 22.45 including a best of 4/15, and 18 T20Is with 20 wickets at 16.60. She shone in the 2017 ODI World Cup, ending as the third-highest wicket-taker, and played 45 Women’s Big Bash League matches for Melbourne Stars. Transitioning seamlessly to coaching post-retirement, Beams has built an impressive resume, including roles in the WBBL and The Hundred, head coach of Australia’s Women’s Under-19 team, National Development Lead at Cricket Australia, and Community Cricket Manager-South at Cricket Tasmania.​

In a video statement, Beams expressed excitement about her debut coaching stint with MI, highlighting the chance to collaborate with legend Goswami, whom she faced during her playing days. She praised the franchise’s “incredible culture” as a tight-knit family that consistently delivers victories, calling it the ideal environment for a new coach to thrive. Her leg-spin mastery and tactical acumen position her perfectly to nurture MI’s emerging spinners amid the WPL’s evolving demands for versatile bowling attacks.​

“Incredible culture. They have developed a winning culture over a really long period of time but a family, that’s what you hear everyone talking about that this group is so tight-knit and it’s a family. It’s what you want to be a part of. I think, as a coach coming in, that’s exactly what you want to be able to do — walk into an environment that feels really tight-knit and a team that knows how to win,” she stated.

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New spin coach’s strategic impact on MI’s WPL 2026 campaign

Beams’ arrival strengthens MI’s spin department, vital on subcontinental pitches where wrist-spin often turns matches, complementing Goswami’s pace expertise for a balanced attack. With Keightley—fresh from Delhi Capitals—leading the side, this all-star coaching lineup blends Australian precision and Indian nous, targeting another championship run.

MI’s two titles from three WPL seasons reflect their dominance, and Beams’ global insights could elevate young talents like Saika Ishaque or uncapped prospects in the auction pool. As the January 9 opener looms, fans anticipate how her strategies will fortify the defending champs against fierce rivals like RCB and UP Warriorz. This appointment signals MI’s proactive blueprint for sustained success in women’s cricket’s premier T20 spectacle.

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