Home Blog Page 43

List of richest cricket boards in the world 2025: What is the BCCI worth?

Charbel Coorey
-
0
List of richest cricket boards in the world 2025: What is the BCCI worth?

The richest cricket board in the world is unsurprisingly the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). The BCCI’s net worth is a staggering INR 18,460 crore (approximately US$2.11 billion), which is around 28 times more than the next richest board, according to Times of India.

Cricket Australia and England Cricket Board round out the top three. Both boards value Test cricket dearly but have been exploring ways to boost revenue further via T20 cricket.

Top 10 richest cricket boards in the world 2025

BoardValue
BCCIApprox. US$2.10 billion
Cricket AustraliaApprox. US$71 million
England Cricket BoardApprox. US$55.94 million
Pakistan Cricket BoardApprox. US$52.07 million
Bangladesh Cricket BoardApprox. US$48.32 million
Cricket South AfricaApprox. US$44.57 million
Zimbabwe CricketApprox. US$36.04 million
Sri Lanka CricketApprox. US$18.87 million
Cricket West IndiesApprox. US$14.21 million
New Zealand CricketApprox. US$8.53 million

1. BCCI: INR 18,460 crore (approx. US$2.10 billion)

Cricket is like a religion in India, which drives the BCCI’s growth. The Indian Premier League (IPL) generates huge revenue, with one of the world’s richest broadcast deals and significant ad revenue each season. According to abc.net.au, the 2025 edition was projected to generate around $800 million ad revenue alone.

Also, the BCCI landed a new sponsorship deal with Apollo Tyres, replacing Dream11 following the introduction of the 2025 Online Gaming Bill. The deal is worth a huge INR 579 crore (approximately US$66 million) according to cricexec, which runs through to March 2028.

The BCCI also receives about 38% of the ICC’s annual distribution model.

2. Cricket Australia (CA): INR 628 crore (approx. US$71 million)

Cricket Australia (CA) is the second-richest board with a net worth of approximately US$74 million. Broadcasting, ICC revenue, sponsorships and the BBL are its main revenue drivers. CA are exploring BBL privatisation to further drive revenue, but face key questions around how their summer would look and maintaining the league’s identity.

3. England Cricket Board (ECB): INR 492 crore (approx. US$55.94 million)

The ECB comes in third. Privatisation of The Hundred is a major revenue generator for the board, along with ICC revenue and strong attendances for international and domestic matches around the country.

4. Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB): INR 458 crore (approx. US$52.07 million)

PCB comes in fourth. Pakistan has a big population of approximately 251.3 million (as of 2024) and is a nation passionate about cricket. The Pakistan Super League (PSL) is a major revenue generator for the PCB, as is their ICC revenue share of 5.75% which equates to around $34.51 million annually.

Also, hosting major tournaments since international cricket restarted in the country is a big boost. The 2025 Champions Trophy yielded a profit of US$10 million for the PCB. “All expenses for the tournament were covered by the ICC,” said PCB spokesperson Aamir Mir, as quoted by Times of India. “Additionally, after the audit, we expect to receive another Rs 3 billion from the ICC.”

5. Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB): INR 425 crore (approx. US$48.32 million)

The Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) has its issues, but despite that, Bangladesh rank fifth in the list of richest cricket boards. The tournament attracts sponsors and cricket is the most popular sport in Bangladesh, which helps drive the BCB’s revenue.

6. Cricket South Africa (CSA): INR 392 crore (approx. US$44.57 million)

CSA is experiencing more financial stability since the launch of the SA20. The T20 league has seen IPL franchise owners invest heavily, generating huge viewership not only in South Africa, but in the subcontinent as well.

In 2022, Graeme Smith said this T20 league is crucial to CSA’s survival. “It was absolutely crucial [to have a T20 league of our own],” said the former Proteas captain. “We can’t rely on everybody else for the financial gain. I think that’s a very risky place to be in world cricket currently.”

7. Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC): INR 317 crore (approx. US$36.04 million)

ZC’s place in seventh may come as a surprise given the financial and political challenges it has faced over the years. However, Zimbabwe playing big teams in recent years, and holding onto their sponsorship deals, has ensured a solid position financially.

8. Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC): INR 166 crore (approx. US$18.87 million)

The Lanka Premier League (LPL) is important for Sri Lanka, as are their broadcast deals and ICC revenue share. The more Sri Lanka play higher-ranked teams, the better it is as such series attract more eyeballs.

9. Cricket West Indies (CWI): INR 125 crore (approx. US$14.21 million)

It is no secret that the West Indies face a huge challenge to retain talent with T20 leagues around the world. Players earn lifechanging amounts in these leagues. They earn a fraction of those amounts to play international cricket.

The key revenue source for CWI is its Caribbean Premier League (CPL), which has also seen investment from IPL franchises in recent years.

10. New Zealand Cricket (NZC): INR 75 crore (approx. US$8.53 million)

NZC ranks tenth with their small population making things tricky from a revenue perspective. Also, T20 leagues are a very attractive proposition for a number of the players, including the likes of Kane Williamson who are on casual contracts.

However, the Black Caps continue to do well at international level, with their consistent performances helping them land broadcast and sponsorship deals.

Why is Cameron Green out of the ODI series against India?

Tarkesh Jha
-
0
Why is Cameron Green out of the ODI series against India?

Cameron Green’s return to bowling has hit a setback, with the Australian all-rounder ruled out of the upcoming ODI series against India due to side soreness. Cricket Australia confirmed that the injury is low grade, and his omission is precautionary, with Green expected to resume playing for Western Australia in their next Sheffield Shield match starting October 28.

Cricket Australia said Green felt discomfort during training earlier this week. “Green will complete a short rehabilitation phase and is on track to return for round three of the Sheffield Shield,” the board stated. The setback is unrelated to the spinal surgery he underwent last year, where doctors fused his L4 vertebrae.

Marnus Labuschagne replaces Cameron Green in ODI squad against India

The decision to rest Green comes with the Ashes on the horizon, as Australia’s management remains cautious about his recovery. The 26-year-old’s return as a fully fit all-rounder is considered vital to the team’s Test plans this summer.

In Green’s absence, Marnus Labuschagne has been drafted into the ODI squad. The Queensland batter, who was initially left out after a poor run in South Africa, earned a recall on the back of red-hot domestic form, including his fourth century of the season, a 159-run knock against South Australia in the ongoing Shield match.

Green had bowled his first competitive overs in nearly a year during Western Australia’s Shield opener against New South Wales, taking 1 for 13 from four overs. The right-hander had skipped the recent T20 series in New Zealand and was also left out of the upcoming T20Is against India to prioritise red-ball cricket before the Ashes.

Australia’s squad for the India ODIs has seen multiple changes, as wicketkeeper Josh Philippe replaces the injured Josh Inglis, while spinner Matthew Kuhnemann comes in for Adam Zampa, who is unavailable due to family reasons.

With Green out, Matthew Renshaw could slot in at No. 4, a position where he averages 50 at a strike rate above 100 in domestic one-day cricket.

ALSO READ: Australia’s possible XI for the first ODI against India in Perth

“Too long for a snack, too light for a meal” – Twitter Reactions to new Test Twenty format

Charbel Coorey
-
0
“Too long for a snack, too light for a meal” – Twitter Reactions to new Test Twenty format

Test Twenty, set to be cricket’s newest format, has divided opinion on social media. The format fuses Test and T20 cricket, with four innings of 20 overs to be played out with a red ball like a Test match.

Some of the rules of Test Twenty include:

  • Powerplay of four overs.
  • Teams can enforce the follow on with a first innings lead of 75 or more.
  • A maximum of five bowlers can bowl a maximum of eight overs across the entire match.

This format is expected to launch in January 2026 and is targeted at young cricketers, namely 13 to 19 year olds who can register at https://app.testtwenty.com/register. The first season will be held in India with three Indian city-based teams and three international teams, namely from Dubai, London and United States.

Indian sports entrepreneur Gaurav Bahirvani is the brainchild of Test Twenty. AB De Villiers, Clive Lloyd, Matthew Hayden and Harbhajan Singh part of the Advisory board. “When I was a boy in Pretoria, I hit a ball against a wall for hours hoping someone would notice. Back then, there was no global stage for young cricketers,” said AB de Villiers in a video posted on X (formerly Twitter).

“Today, that changes. The junior Test Twenty Championship is here. The world’s biggest youth scouting platform for 13 to 19 year olds. A brand new format, a brand new tournament,” he said.

Reactions to Test Twenty format: Does this idea have merit?

Opinions were split on the Test Twenty idea. Some fans enjoy the idea, while others question its role in developing talent.

“This “Test Twenty” format basically removes the strengths of the individual formats, and combines the weaknesses. Too long for a snack, too light for a meal,” wrote one fan on X (formerly Twitter).

“Prediction: only T20s and Test Twenty will live, Test Cricket and ODI will die. Because this is the natural evolution. At its core, what makes Test Cricket interesting and what’s keeping it alive is the 4 innings format,” wrote another.

Here are some of the reactions.

Opinion: The XI Australia should go with for the first Ashes Test

Charbel Coorey
-
0
Opinion: The XI Australia should go with for the first Ashes Test

A year ago, questions were rife about the possible Australia XI for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against India. Who opens? Who bats at six? Should the Aussies play who they perceive to be ‘the best six batters in the country’ even if it means players are out of position?

Fast forward 365 days and Australia face similar questions despite winning all three bilateral Test assignments since. Who partners Usman Khawaja is a hot topic of debate as many question if the 38-year-old should even play. Whether Australia can fit two all-rounders is another talking point, which would almost certainly mean shifting players around in the batting order.

In a huge series like the Ashes, setting up the order so players bat in their specialist positions is vital. With that in mind, here is the XI Australia should go with for the Perth Test (with Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood out).

Why Australia should go with this XI for the first 2025/26 Ashes Test

1. Usman Khawaja

Australia have basically confirmed Usman Khawaja is a lock. So, is there any point debating otherwise at this stage?

However, Australia run the risk of carrying Khawaja in a series where fast bowling will play a huge role. Since the 2023 World Test Championship Final, Khawaja averages 28.2 against pace. This drops to 23.7 since the start of 2024 and 19.1 this year.

England will no doubt test Khawaja on a length in the channel. The left-hander has often been left squaring up and edging behind. Can he overcome this trend? Time will tell.

2. Jake Weatherald

Given Khawaja is set to feature, Australia must consider who best complements him. Jake Weatherald can be the perfect foil, with his proactive style allowing Khawaja to settle in at the other end.

Of course, Weatherald is deserving of selection for reasons greater than just complementing Khawaja. The left-hander has been the premier batsman in the Sheffield Shield since the start of last season, with 1,142 runs at an average of 51.91. This includes three half-centuries in four innings to start the 2025/26 season, with his 99-ball 94 on a Hobart greentop against Western Australia particularly impressive.

His strike rate of 69.63 in his past 22 Shield innings is another hot selling point as he can put the English bowlers under pressure and set the tone.

The XI Australia should go with for the 1st Test of the Ashes vs England in Perth, focused on specialist players in their positions.
Jake Weatherald is in fine touch.

3. Marnus Labuschagne

In an exclusive interview for CricBlog, Kerry O’Keeffe revealed Marnus Labuschagne’s mindset after he was dropped from the Test team earlier this year.

“Everybody is talking, what do we do with Marnus? Well, I sense that he’ll stay in the team because he’s told friends of mine at the start of the season; ‘what will you do, Marnie, if the selectors terminate your Test career?’ He said, “Oh, they won’t because I’ll score so many runs in the pre-series that they won’t be able to ignore me,'” O’Keeffe said.

Labuschagne’s mindset has been on display. He has enjoyed a dream start to the season, notching up two centuries in as many Sheffield Shield matches, along with two centuries in three One Day Cup matches. He looks more proactive at the crease, with the intention of scoring runs rather than playing for survival.

Australia need to strike while the iron is hot with Weatherald, and the same applies with Marnus. However, Labuschagne must bat at three as that is where is he does his best work. Shifting him to opener to fit two all-rounders can prove detrimental.

Steve Smith (c)

A given. The great Steve Smith returned to his best last summer, with four hundreds in five Tests against India and Sri Lanka.

There is talk of whether Smith should move to three to allow both Cameron Green and Beau Webster to play. Smith has an outstanding record at three (average of 67.07 in 17 innings), but he has not batted first drop since 2017.

Also, Smith is a magnificent fill in as captain if Cummins is ruled out of any action. “His record as captain is superior with the bat than it is as a player,” O’Keeffe said last week. “There’s lots of pluses, even though the minus is Pat Cummins not being there. The fact that Smith is the likely captain adds more than Cummins’ loss to this team.”

The XI Australia should go with for the 1st Test of the Ashes vs England in Perth, focused on specialist players in their positions.

Travis Head

Another given. Setting a platform for Travis Head is crucial given the damage he can cause. However, the left-hander is also an excellent counterattacking player as he showed in the 2021/22 Brisbane and Hobart Ashes Tests. He won man of the series with his 357 runs.

Beau Webster or Cameron Green

This selection depends on who is fit and ready to go in the coming weeks. Both have their injury worries, with Beau Webster missing the first two Sheffield Shield matches due to an ankle injury. Cameron Green has only just started bowling again in competitive cricket after a serious back injury, and he has now picked up a minor side issue that has ruled him out of the India ODIs.

Both are capable of producing with the bat at number six. Webster has scored four important half-centuries this year alone. However, the amount of quality overs Webster or Green can deliver is vital, too. In the Border-Gavaskar Trophy last year, Australia suffered at times with Mitch Marsh unable to bowl.

ALSO READ: Analysis: Why Cameron Green was struggling at number three during the West Indies series

Alex Carey (wk)

A lock. A series of this nature may require another important Alex Carey innings or two, as he done so numerous times for Australia.

The XI Australia should go with for the 1st Test of the Ashes vs England in Perth, focused on specialist players in their positions.
Alex Carey’s lower order runs could prove vital in this Ashes series.

Mitchell Starc

After decimating the West Indies earlier this year, Mitchell Starc is primed for a big first two Tests. The left-arm quick has 26 wickets at 21.62 apiece in five Tests at Perth’s Optus Stadium. The second Test? A day/nighter in Brisbane. Starc’s record with the pink ball? 81 wickets at 17.29.

Nathan Lyon

This is a more contentious selection, especially if the Optus Stadium track heavily favours pace. However, Lyon has often done a magnificent job in holding an end for Australia. Also, Lyon can trouble the England batsmen with the bounce he generates off home tracks, including the likes of Ollie Pope who tends to play with low hands.

Lyon has 29 wickets in five Tests at Optus at an average of 20.86.

Scott Boland

There is optimism among England fans and pundits that Pat Cummins’ absence can swing the pendulum in their favour. Michael Vaughan believes England become favourites. Michael Atherton points to Boland’s under-par performances in the 2023 Ashes as a source of confidence for Ben Stokes’ team.

However, Boland in Australian conditions is a different proposition. Boland, who picked up another man of the match award in their October Shield match against New South Wales, has 49 Test wickets at an average of 12.63 in Australia.

England, take Boland lightly at your own peril.

Brendan Doggett

Brendan Doggett is next in line and rightly so. In his last 20 First Class matches, Doggett has taken 98 wickets at an average of 21.41. This includes 11 wickets in a man of the match performance in the 2024/25 Sheffield Shield.

All statistics and figures have been checked and verified via ESPNcricinfo, Howstat and Cricmetric stats

Joe Root is coming to Australia to average 150 in the Ashes – Steve Harmison

Charbel Coorey
-
0
Joe Root is coming to Australia to average 150 in the Ashes – Steve Harmison

Steve Harmison believes Joe Root is in for a huge Ashes series downunder, stating he won’t be surprised if England’s number four surpasses Alastair Cook’s effort in 2010/11. The former England fast bowler said England have the mentality to beat Australia this time around, with Root to be at the forefront.

“People have been telling me for two years that Joe Root is coming over to Australia to average 50. He’s not. I think he’s coming over to average 150, I really do,” Harmison said on TalkSport.

Joe Root can go past what Alastair Cook did in 2010/11 – Steve Harmison

Alastair Cook was an unstoppable force in 2010/11. The opener struck 766 runs at 127.66 in that series, leading England to a first Ashes series win down under in 24 years.

England have not won an Ashes Test in Australia since, losing 13 of the 15 Tests. One of the draws was on one of the flattest MCG tracks in 2017/18, with the other a rain-affected draw at the SCG in 2021/22 where England held on with a wicket to spare.

However, Harmison believes England under Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum are a different proposition. Joe Root, who is yet to register a century in 14 Tests in Australia, is primed to go big now according to the former fast bowler.

“The way he [Joe Root] is playing. The mindset he is in. You can have your mortgage on Joe Root scoring at least one hundred. It would not surprise me if he went past what Cook did in 2010/11,” Harmison said.

“I am backing England, maybe like 3-1 to come to Australia and sledge Australia and Joe Root to have the best series he has had for a long time. I am confident England will win.

“Where Joe is at with his mentality and the fact that Cummins is out, I mean Joe is vulnerable the first 15-to-20 balls in Australian conditions, but after that he just keeps accumulating.

England don’t fear Australia. I don’t think there’s a few in the world anymore the way the young players go.”

Harmison’s comments come as Stuart Broad called this Australian team the worst since 2010. The likes of Michael Vaughan and Michael Atherton are also confident about England’s chances which sets the scene for a fantastic Ashes duel.

The five-match series kicks off on November 21 at Optus Stadium in Perth.

Which teams will compete in the 2026 T20 World Cup?

Tarkesh Jha
-
0
Which teams will compete in the 2026 T20 World Cup?

Nepal, Oman and UAE have secured their places in the 2026 T20 World Cup that will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, even before facing each other in their final Super Six clash at Al Amerat in the Asia-EAP Qualifier. One more team from the tournament will join them in next year’s marquee event.

The qualification scenario was sealed after the UAE defeated Samoa by 77 runs earlier in the day, ensuring Nepal and Oman finished in the top three spots of the Super Six table. UAE sealed their passage to the T20 World Cup after beating Japan by eight wickets on Thursday.

For Nepal, wrist spinner Sandeep Lamichhane has been the standout performer, claiming ten wickets in four innings at an impressive average of 9.40 and an economy rate below six. His 5 for 18 against Qatar was instrumental in defending a modest total of 148.

Oman’s Jiten Ramanandi has also been pivotal to his team’s campaign, picking up seven wickets in four games at an economy of 5.90. The left-arm seamer had earlier made headlines during the Asia Cup, dismissing India’s Abhishek Sharma and Tilak Varma.

List of teams in the 2026 T20 World Cup

With Oman, UAE and Nepal confirming their qualification, all 20 teams who will compete in the 2026 T20 World Cup have now been confirmed.

Qualified as co-hosts:

  • India
  • Sri Lanka

Qualified through the 2024 T20 World Cup Super 8s

  • Afghanistan
  • Australia
  • Bangladesh
  • England
  • South Africa
  • United States
  • West Indies

Qualified via ICC Men’s T20I Team Rankings

  • Ireland
  • New Zealand
  • Pakistan

Qualified through regional qualifiers

  • Africa: Namibia and Zimbabwe
  • Americas: Canada
  • Asia/East Asia-Pacific: Nepal, UAE, and Oman
  • Europe: Italy and Netherlands

The 2026 T20 World Cup is likely to begin on February 7.

“Practically the same team England can’t beat” – Reactions to Stuart Broad claiming this Australia team is their worst since 2010

Tarkesh Jha
-
0
“Practically the same team England can’t beat” – Reactions to Stuart Broad claiming this Australia team is their worst since 2010

Stuart Broad has claimed that Australia is coming out with one of the worst teams for an Ashes series since 2010. Broad’s comments have garnered a lot of attention from cricket fans, especially when he has spent 15 years as Australia’s arch-nemesis before retiring after the 2023 Ashes.

“It’s probably the worst Australian team since 2010 when England last won, and it’s the best English team since 2010,” Broad, who is now working as a pundit, Stuart Broad said on his BBC Podcast For The Love of Cricket hosted with Jos Buttler.

“It’s actually not an opinion, it’s fact. So those things match up to the fact it’s going to be a brilliant Ashes series. When we have, since 2010, been discussing who is going to bat No.1, 2, 3, 6, 8 and who is going to be the spare bowler for Australia,” Broad said. “You’re always going in there going: ‘well, the Aussies, they’re really strong. They’ve just got the same bowlers, the same team’.

Stuart Broad hit back at David Warner’s bold 4-0 prediction, dismissing the Australian opener’s claim that England were “playing for a moral victory.” 

Reactions to bold Stuart Broad claim that this is the worst Australia team since 2010

Reacting to this statement, a X user said, “Stuart obviously is not accounting for 26-year-old 6’6″ prime Cameron Green. Rude awakening incoming.”, while others said, “I wouldn’t say it’s the worst Australian team since 2010, or the best England one. What I would say is that England has its best chance since then for its first #Ashes win in Australia”.

Broad questioned Australia’s confidence, pointing to uncertainties in their batting line-up and what he described as a “thin” bowling attack. He further noted that skipper Pat Cummins himself had admitted he was unlikely to feature in the first Test, raising doubts about Australia’s depth heading into the series.

“But in 2010, when they were trying to replace [Glenn] McGrath, [Shane] Warne, [Matthew] Hayden, [Justin] Langer, they didn’t have a spinner. They changed the seamers all the time, and they had a bit of a mixed match of batters. So I don’t think anyone could argue that it’s their weakest team since 2010,” Stuart Broad said.

The first Ashes Test begins at the Optus Stadium and will take place from November 21-25. Australia will be engaged in a white-ball series against India prior to that.

ALSO READ: Kerry O’Keeffe interview: Concering Australia are having a bat-off before the Ashes

What is the highest successful run chase in Tests at Gaddafi Stadium Lahore?

Charbel Coorey
-
0
What is the highest successful run chase in Tests at Gaddafi Stadium Lahore?

Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore has played host to some high-scoring Test matches. However, chasing in the fourth innings has proven difficult, with just one successful pursuit of a 200+ score in the history of this ground.

Highest successful run chase at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore dates back to 1961

The highest successful run chase in Test cricket at Lahore is England’s 209/5 against Pakistan way back in 1961. Pakistan batted first in that match, scoring 387/9d with Javed Burki (138) leading the way. England responded with 380 as Ken Barrington (139) and Mike Smith (99) put on 192 for the third wicket.

Pakistan’s 200 in their second innings gave England a tricky target, but skipper Ted Dexter (66*) held his nerve after his team fell into trouble at various stages of the innings. The visitors were 1-1, 17-2, 86-3, 108-4 and 108-5 before Dexter and Bob Barber (39*) got them home with five wickets to spare.

In the ongoing Test between Pakistan and South Africa, the Proteas will have to break this all-time record. Aiden Markram’s team need 277 to win, and there has been just one higher score than that in all fourth innings at Lahore.

In fact, there has been just two scores of 250+ in all fourth innings in Tests at the Gaddafi Stadium. Pakistan’s 316/4 against South Africa in 2007 and West Indies’ 258/4 against Pakistan in 1975 are the two highest totals batting last. These matches both ended in draws.

Will Kane Williamson play in the 2025 series against England?

Tarkesh Jha
-
0
Will Kane Williamson play in the 2025 series against England?

Kane Williamson will not feature in the upcoming home T20I series against England, but the former New Zealand skipper is eyeing a return for the subsequent ODI leg later this month. Williamson, 35, who returned to the country on Thursday, last appeared for New Zealand in the Champions Trophy final against India in Dubai in March this year.

Williamson is among a group of players on casual contracts. The veteran batter had earlier opted out of the three-match T20I series against Australia and the Zimbabwe tour to honour his county commitments with Middlesex, where he participated in the Hundred and County Championship.

Kane Williamson dealing with “medical issue”, should be ready for England ODIs

Head coach Rob Walter confirmed that Williamson had been dealing with a “minor medical issue” over the past month. “He’s obviously a world-class player and we’re hoping these two weeks will ensure he’s ready for the ODIs against England and the following tour by West Indies,” Walter said, as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.

Mitchell Santner, returning from abdominal surgery, will lead the Black Caps in the white-ball leg, while fast bowler Ben Sears has been ruled out due to a left-hamstring tear sustained during training. The MRI results indicate a recovery period of three to four weeks.

Meanwhile, allrounder Rachin Ravindra is set to make his comeback after missing the Australia T20Is with a facial injury sustained during fielding drills at Bay Oval. Among other players, Finn Allen is dealing with a foot injury. Adam Milne (ankle injury), Will O’Rourke (back), Glenn Phillips (groin), and Lockie Ferguson (hamstring) remain sidelined.

Wrist-spinner Ish Sodhi, despite recently becoming New Zealand’s most-capped T20I player, has been left out. Ravindra will join Santner and Michael Bracewell as the team’s primary spin options, with Mark Chapman providing part-time left-arm support.

Great to have Mitch Santner back – Walter

“It’s great to have Mitch back,” Walter said. “Alongside being our leader, he’s one of the very best white-ball spinners in the world and his skills and experience will be a welcome addition. Likewise, it’s nice to welcome back Rachin, who was unlucky to miss out on Australia and I know he is really excited for this series.”

The selectors have retained Kyle Jamieson, Matt Henry, Jacob Duffy, Zak Foulkes, and seasoned all-rounder Jimmy Neesham. Neesham, who impressed with figures of 4 for 26 in Mount Maunganui against Australia, has set his sights on representing New Zealand in the 2026 T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka.

“I want to win a World Cup for New Zealand and that’s the reason I’m still playing and I’m still available,” Neesham said at his press conference after the third T20I against Australia. “It’s a very, very clear goal of mine. What happens with selection in the six months leading up to the tournament is beyond my control. But no, I’ll just stay ready. If I’m in the squads or not leading up to the tournament, I’ll just take that in my stride and try and provide performances as best as I can when I’m selected in most teams.”

The T20I series begins on October 18 at Hagley Oval in Christchurch, followed by matches on October 20 (Christchurch) and October 23 (Auckland). The ODI series will run from October 26 to November 1.

List of highest successful run chases in Women’s ODIs

Charbel Coorey
-
0
List of highest successful run chases in Women’s ODIs

India have pulled off one of the greatest ever wins in women’s ODIs, chasing 339 to end Australia’s reign in the 2025 World Cup semi-final. Under pressure following many near misses in recent years, India got over the line in an outstanding run chase to make the World Cup Final.

Where does this run chase sit among the highest in women’s ODIs? Here is a look at the top three.

Highest run chases in women’s ODIs: Where does Australia’s chase of 331 sit?

TeamTargetOpponentVenueYear
India339AustraliaNavi Mumbai2025
Australia331IndiaVisakhapatnam2025
Sri Lanka302South AfricaPotchefstroom2024
Australia289New ZealandNorth Sydney2012

339 by India vs Australia, Navi Mumbai, 2025

India’s chase of 339 is the highest-ever in women’s ODIs. Australia, thanks to Phoebe Litchfield’s superb century, were sitting pretty at 180/1 after 27.1 overs. India fought back, picking up regular wickets to keep things in check. However, Ash Gardner’s excellent innings took Australia to a strong 338.

India, 60/2 after 10 overs, needed something special. Jemimah Rodrigues (127*) played the innings of her life, combining with captain Harmanpreet Kaur (89) for a 167-run stand to put India on top. Then, Deepti Sharma (24 off 17), Richa Ghosh (26 off 16) and Amanjot Kaur (15* off 8) produced impactful knocks when they were needed.

“I knew I got a few chances, but I just felt God scripted everything,” said Rodrigues, as quoted by ESPNcricinfo. “I believe if you do the right things, with right intentions, he always blesses. I feel everything that happened was just a set-up for this. It was really hard, this last whole month. It just feels like a dream and it hasn’t sunk in yet.”

331 by Australia vs India, Visakhapatnam, 2025

India got off to a flyer. Smiriti Mandhana, a thorn in Australia’s side in recent weeks, was at it again. The classy left-hander struck a 66-ball 80, combining with Pratika Rawal (75 off 96 balls) for a 155-run opening stand in 24.3 overs.

From there, India stuttered, especially in the final overs. They lost their last six wickets for 36 runs. “We could have easily scored 30 more runs. The last six overs cost us the game,” said skipper Harmanpreet Kaur, as quoted by Fox Sports. Nonetheless, 330 was still India’s highest-ever World Cup total.

Alyssa Healy then took matters into her own hands. Her 107-ball 142 was laced with 21 fours and three sixes as the Indian attack had little answer to the Australian captain’s onslaught. Her sixth ODI hundred was her first as captain.

“Very proud of the team. It looked like 360 at one stage. We identified which bowlers to target and adapted beautifully,” Healy said. “I was trying to lock in for a big day, and to be out there and contribute heavily is great, but I would have been delighted to see it out but the girls did a great job.”

India fought back with some regular wickets to keep themselves in the hunt, with Australia falling to 303/7. However, the great Ellyse Perry (47*) and capable Kim Garth (14*) saw the champions home.

302 by Sri Lanka vs South Africa, Potchefstroom, 2024

It’s not often that a 147-ball 184* would be upstaged in the same game. Laura Wolvaardt played a superb innings to get South Africa to 301/5 against Sri Lanka in Potchefstroom. Marizanne Kapp (36 off 34 balls) was the only other South Africa to have a strike rate over 100 in the innings.

Chamari Athapaththu responded with the innings of a lifetime. The Sri Lankan captain, after bowling ten overs herself, smashed an unbeaten 195 off 139 balls to lead her team to the target with 33 balls to spare. A middle order wobble where Sri Lanka fell from 90/0 to 126/4 did not matter as the skipper, along with Nilakshika Silva (50* off 71 balls), saw the visitors home with ease.

289 by Australia vs New Zealand, North Sydney, 2012

Amy Satterthwaite played a blinder against an experienced Australian attack in 2012. The left-hander’s 119-ball 109 set the platform for a strong New Zealand total of 288/6, with Sara McGlashan (51 off 51) and Katie Perkins (31 off 15) adding further impact.

However, the joy was short lived for the White Ferns. Australia got off to a rollicking start with Meg Lanning (72 off 53) and Rachael Haynes (70 off 75) combining for a 131-run opening stand in 18.2 overs.

The hosts then wobbled in the middle order, falling from 169/1 to 199/5. However, the long batting lineup came to the fore once again with Jodie Fields (31 off 46), Sarah Coyte (51* off 54) and Erin Osborne (15* off 11) leading Australia home with four wickets and 20 balls to spare.

1...424344...500Page 43 of 500