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ENG vs NZ 2026: Ben Stokes, Gus Atkinson included in third Test squad after conclusion of ECB investigation
The third Test will begin on June 25 at Trent Bridge, Nottingham.
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๐Ÿ“ขENG vs NZ 2026: Ben Stokes, Gus Atkinson included in third Test squad after conclusion of ECB investigation

ENG vs NZ 2026: Ben Stokes, Gus Atkinson included in third Test squad after conclusion of ECB investigation (Photo source: ECB)

Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson have been included in England's squad for the third and final Test against New Zealand after the conclusion of the England and Wales Cricket Board's (ECB) disciplinary hearing into their conduct during the early hours of June 8, following the Lord's Test. The pair had previously been omitted from the squad for the second Test at The Oval, which England lost under the captaincy of Joe Root.

Stokes and Atkinson were found guilty of breaching the team curfew. British media reports later revealed that Atkinson was involved in an incident at a nightclub shortly after the Lord's Test. Further details indicated that a rugby academy player attempted to punch Atkinson but instead struck a security staff member, who required stitches.

As a result, the ECB launched an investigation into the matter, leading to the duo's exclusion from the squad for the Oval Test. The investigation has now concluded and determined that Stokes was not present at the nightclub when the incident involving Atkinson took place.

โ€œStokes and Atkinson were found to have breached specific contractual obligations that require England players to at all times maintain the highest standards of conduct and act in the best interests of England cricket,โ€ the ECB said in an official statement.

โ€œIt was also concluded that no blame should be attached to the players for violent conduct at the nightclub. Stokes was not involved in the altercation and did not witness either incident. The evidence the ECB has seen demonstrates that Atkinson was the victim of unprovoked attacks and did not retaliate on either occasion,โ€ the statement added.

While England were taking on New Zealand in the second Test at The Oval, Stokes turned out for Durham in a County Championship fixture. The three-match series is currently level at 1-1 after New Zealand secured a commanding 253-run victory in the second Test on Sunday, setting up a decisive final match.

England's squad for third Test:

Ben Stokes (C), Rehan Ahmed, Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Shoaib Bashir, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Jordan Cox, Ben Duckett, Matthew Fisher, Emilio Gay, Ollie Robinson, Joe Root, Jamie Smith, Josh Tongue
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Women's T20 World Cup 2026: SA W vs IND W Today's Match Highlights: Unmissable video recap, POTM, match analysis, stats and more
South Africa Women won by six wickets.
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๐Ÿ“ขWomen's T20 World Cup 2026: SA W vs IND W Today's Match Highlights: Unmissable video recap, POTM, match analysis, stats and more

Women's T20 World Cup 2026: SA W vs IND W Today's Match Highlights: Unmissable video recap, POTM, match analysis, stats and more (Source: Matthew Lewis-ICC/ICC via Getty Images)

How did Match 18 of the Women's T20 World Cup 2026 go between South Africa Women and India Women?

South Africa Women defeated India Women by six wickets in Match No. 18 of the Women's T20 World Cup 2026 at Manchester on June 21. Opting to bat first, India posted 158/7 in their allotted 20 overs, with Shafali Verma top-scoring with 31 runs. For South Africa, Marizanne Kapp and Shabnim Ismail starred with the ball, picking up two wickets apiece.

In reply, South Africa chased down the target with five balls to spare, thanks largely to an unbeaten half-century from Kapp. Despite India's defeat, Shree Charani impressed with the ball, finishing as the standout bowler for her side with three wickets.

Best Batting Performance of the Match: Marizanne Kapp

Marizanne Kapp was the standout batter of the match, playing a match-winning unbeaten knock of 81 runs off just 45 deliveries. Her innings featured seven fours and four sixes and came at an impressive strike rate of 180.00. Kapp also shared a crucial 97-run partnership with Tazmin Brits for the third wicket, with the duo adding the runs in just 63 balls to steer South Africa towards victory.

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Best Bowling Performance of the Match: Shree Charani

Left-arm spinner Shree Charani was the standout bowler of the match, delivering an impressive spell of 3/24 in her four overs, including a maiden. She provided crucial breakthroughs for India by dismissing South Africa captain Laura Wolvaardt, Annerie Dercksen, and Nadine de Klerk, finishing as her side's most effective bowler despite the defeat.

Pressure. Precision. Perfection. ๐Ÿ’ฅ

Sree Charani produces a stunning double-wicket maiden as Team India tighten their grip on the game.

ICC Women's #T20WorldCup 2026 | #INDvSA | LIVE NOW ๐Ÿ‘‰https://t.co/LwG4gG8UfK pic.twitter.com/It3Vky0q5R

โ€” Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) June 21, 2026

Who won the Player of the Match award?

Marizanne Kapp was named Player of the Match for her outstanding all-round performance. The South African star played a match-winning unbeaten knock of 81 runs off 45 balls and also made a significant impact with the ball, claiming two wickets.

When is the next match?

South Africa Women will play their next game against Netherlands Women on Thursday, June 25 while India Women have their next game lined up against the Bangladesh Women on June 25. Both games will happen at Manchester
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'The lPL is certainly setting the trend' - Karun Nair's huge statement on shift in mindset in T20 format
"The players are thinking in different ways," Karun Nair said about the impact of the IPL.
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๐Ÿ“ข'The lPL is certainly setting the trend' - Karun Nair's huge statement on shift in mindset in T20 format

Karun Nair (Source: Getty Images)

Veteran India batter Karun Nair feels that the ultra-aggressive batting, which lit up the IPL (Indian Premier League) 2026, will change the mindset of batters across domestic competitions. Teams were scoring and chasing 200-plus totals for fun during the latest instalment of the cash-rich league.

Nair believes that modern-day T20 cricket has revolutionised the way players think and forced them into playing attacking cricket even when the conditions are not that conducive for batting.

โ€œThe lPL is certainly setting the trend. The players are thinking in different ways. So, I think we'll see similar things in every tournament going forward,โ€ Karun, who leads Coastal Kings Mangaluru in the Maharaja Trophy KSCA T20, said in a release.

Nair, who has played 10 Tests and two ODIs and also has a triple century in the longest format, said that replicating the blistering batting that was on display during the IPL in other franchise leagues isn't easy because the conditions are different. However, he said that there is no change in the players' minds as far as their batting approach is concerned.

โ€œYes, it's difficult to replicate that because in IPL, the wickets are different and the bowlers are quicker, so the ball goes further. There are different factors so it will not always translate, but the mindset has changed for everyone,โ€ said Nair, who represents the Delhi Capitals.

Nair didn't have the best of campaigns in the IPL this year. He got only two opportunities with the bat and scored just 18 runs at a strike rate of 100. The right-handed batter also dropped two catches of Shreyas Iyer during the clash between the Delhi Capitals and the Punjab Kings at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on April 25. The drops prove to be very costly, as Shreyas smashed an unbeaten 71 off 36 balls to help the visitors chase down a record 265-run target with six wickets and seven balls to spare.
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Hashmatullah Shahidi reprimanded by ICC despite century in ODI series finale against India
In addition to the reprimand, one demerit point has been added to Shahidiโ€™s disciplinary record.
๐Ÿ“ขHashmatullah Shahidi reprimanded by ICC despite century in ODI series finale against India

Hashmatullah Shahidi reprimanded by ICC despite century in ODI series finale against India. (Photo Source: X(Twitter)

Afghanistan skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi landed in disciplinary trouble despite producing a valiant century in the third and final ODI against India at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.

The left-handed batter has been officially reprimanded by the ICC for breaching Level 1 of the ICC Code of Conduct during the series decider. Shahidi was found guilty of violating Article 2.10.10 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which pertains to a batter causing deliberate or avoidable damage to the pitch.

In addition to the reprimand, one demerit point has been added to Shahidiโ€™s disciplinary record. It is his first offence within a 24-month period.

During Afghanistanโ€™s innings, Shahidi was warned on multiple occasions for running on the protected area of the pitch. The Afghan captain initially received two unofficial warnings from the umpires before being handed an official warning in the 31st over.

However, the batter repeated the offence in the 40th over, prompting the match officials to impose a five-run penalty on Afghanistan. His actions were deemed avoidable and in violation of the playing conditions designed to protect the surface.

Shahidi later accepted responsibility for the offence and agreed to the sanction proposed by ICC Elite Panel match referee Ranjan Madugalle, eliminating the need for a formal hearing. The charge was levelled by on-field umpires Chris Gaffaney and Rohan Pandit, along with third umpire Richard Illingworth and fourth umpire Virender Sharma.

โ€œLevel 1 breaches carry a minimum penalty of an official reprimand, a maximum penalty of 50 per cent of a playerโ€™s match fee, and one or two demerit points,โ€ the ICC stated in an official release.

While Shahidi impressed with a fighting century in the final ODI, his efforts were not enough to prevent Afghanistan from suffering a series whitewash.

India completed a dominant 3-0 sweep after cruising to a nine-wicket victory in Chennai. Yashasvi Jaiswal starred with a magnificent century, while Rohit Sharma chipped in with a fluent 79-run knock as the hosts comfortably chased down the target.
'I think I'm a failure as a captain' - Chamari Athapaththu expresses sorrow after Sri Lanka's defeat to West Indies in Women's T20 World Cup 2026
"I think I played around 18 years for the national team, and I could never get a chance to take my team into a semi-final of a World Cup," Chamari Athapaththu said.
๐Ÿ“ข'I think I'm a failure as a captain' - Chamari Athapaththu expresses sorrow after Sri Lanka's defeat to West Indies in Women's T20 World Cup 2026

Chamari-Athapaththu. (Photo source: X)

Sri Lanka's talismanic captain Chamari Athapaththu cut a disappointed figure on Sunday, June 21, after Sri Lanka were outplayed by the West Indies at the County Ground in Bristol in a crucial Women's T20 World Cup 2026 clash. The Asian side was bowled out for just 98 in 19.4 overs before the team from the Caribbean romped home with five wickets and 23 balls to spare.

Sri Lanka suffered their second defeat in three matches and are currently placed at No. 5 in Group B, just above Ireland, who have already been eliminated. While they are not out of contention yet, Athapaththu called herself a failure as a captain, sensing that she might not be able to take her team beyond the group stage once again.

"Actually, it's a sadness beyond words. I think I played around 18 years for the national team and I could never get a chance to take my team into a semi-final of a World Cup. Even though I have achieved many things personally, I think I'm a failure as a captain, because I think that's big pain for a player. Actually, now I have to be with that pain," the opening batter was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo.

Athapaththu was dismissed by her opposite number, Hayley Matthews, in the third over after only scoring two runs off six balls. The Gokarella-born admitted that she should have played more responsibly. She feels she has lost her last opportunity to take her team to the knockouts.

"I think I tried my best, I think I should have played more responsible than this and if I have played more responsible than this today, we could have won this match today. So, I regret that. Especially I don't like to blame anyone and I think I have more responsibility as a player, as the captain of the team and as a player with more experience. So, I'm very sad, I feel like I lost my last chance," she said.

The next edition of the Women's T20 World Cup is set to be played in Pakistan in 2028. Athapaththu said she is 36 years old now and will try to work on her physical fitness to give herself the best chance of participating.

"For now, I can't give any explanation about that, because with my age, now I'm 36 years old. So, with fitness and all, that's being decided. So, I try my best to keep my physical fitness in a good level, and to keep my skills in a high level. If the team wants, I will play in the future, but with my performance level and fitness level, it will be decided if I play or not," she added.
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'He is scoring runs, but his name is still not coming' - Aakash Chopra on Yashasvi Jaiswal's omission for ODIs vs England
Despite scoring a brilliant century in the third ODI against Afghanistan last week, Yashasvi Jaiswal failed to hold onto his spot in the Indian team for the upcoming 50-over matches in England.
๐Ÿ“ข'He is scoring runs, but his name is still not coming' - Aakash Chopra on Yashasvi Jaiswal's omission for ODIs vs England

Yashasvi Jaiswal (Photo by Alex Davidson/Getty Images)

Despite scoring a brilliant century in the third ODI against Afghanistan last week, Yashasvi Jaiswal failed to hold onto his spot in the Indian team for the upcoming 50-over matches in England. The Men in Blue face the Three Lions in three ODIs in Birmingham, Cardiff, and London, on July 14, 16, and 19, respectively.

Former India opener Aakash Chopra noted that Jaiswal has been left out of the Indian team several times despite scoring runs. The southpaw came in as a replacement for the injured Virat Kohli for the Afghanistan series. However, he hasn't been named in the squad that will travel to the United Kingdom, as Kohli has been picked subject to fitness. Chopra believes that Jaiswal would feel what else he needs to do, with Ishan Kishan being preferred over him because of the multiple roles the wicketkeeper-batter can perform.

"You've got to feel for Yashasvi Jaiswal. He has played very few matches and has scored two centuries. He scored a century in the last match against South Africa and was dropped for the next series. He scored a century in the last match against Afghanistan now and has been dropped for the next series," Chopra said in a video on his YouTube channel.

"What more can I do? He will ask that question of himself for sure, but this is what it is. Shubman Gill is there with Rohit Sharma. Ishan Kishan provides you with multiple options. He is a keeper, backup middle order, and backup opener as well. He is one guy who fits everywhere. However, you have got to feel for Yashasvi. He is scoring runs, but his name is still not coming," he added.

Kishan finished as the second-highest run-getter in the series against Afghanistan, scoring 159 in two innings at a strike rate of 157.43. In the second ODI in Lucknow, the Jharkhand skipper slammed 125 off 79 balls. Meanwhile, Jaiswal's ton came in Chennai. He remained unbeaten on 110 off 86 balls, hitting 14 fours and three sixes.
Harmanpreet Kaur becomes first cricketer to play 200 T20Is
Harmanpreet made her international debut in an ODI against Pakistan in March 2009.
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ENG vs NZ 2026: England fined and docked 12 WTC points for slow over rate in second Test
The Three Lions have been fined 50 per cent of their match fees and docked 12 points in the ICC World Test Championship standings
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Reports: Rishabh Pant was sacked from his role as LSG skipper
If reports are to be believed, Rishabh Pant didn't relinquish captaincy by himself. Instead, the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) management removed him from the role after two disappointing seasons.
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[WATCH] โ€˜Keeps my head onโ€™ - Glenn Phillips reveals why he opted to wear sunglasses against Jofra Archer
New Zealand scripted a famous victory over the hosts after losing the first Test match of the three-match series.
'India have to beat Australia now' - Mithali Raj analyses what went wrong for Harmanpreet and Co. against South Africa
Mithali Raj dissected India's defeat to South Africa on Sunday, June 21, and mentioned changes the Harmanpreet Kaur-led side should make in the upcoming match against Bangladesh.
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Women's T20 World Cup 2026: 'Always special playing in the World Cup, probably brings the best in me' - Marizanne Kapp after match-winning knock against India
An all-round performance, with figures of 2 for 27 and an unbeaten 81 off just 45 balls, saw Kapp lead the Proteas home in a high-stakes clash.
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Shree Charani matches record of taking most wickets for India in a Women's T20 World Cup Edition
Shree Charani has been very impressive in international cricket since making her debut in April 2025. During the ongoing Women's T20 World Cup, the left-arm spinner has been taking wickets for fun.
'Writing was on the wall' - Kevin Pietersen takes a dig at England's 'Bazball' regime after Oval defeat
England have been going through a rough patch, both on and off the field.
'Constructive criticism is fair and necessary but online abuse is not' - Shikha Pandey slams haters after India's defeat to South Africa
India have made things difficult for themselves after losing to South Africa by six wickets on Sunday, June 21, at Old Trafford, Manchester, in match No. 18 of the Women's T20 World Cup 2026.