BAN vs AUS 2026: ‘A childhood dream’ - Joel Davies marks Australia debut with match-winning spell
Joel Davies returned with the figures of 3/17.
Joel Davies returned with the figures of 3/17.
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Nat Sciver-Brunt ruled out of England’s next two T20 World Cup matches with calf injury
England Women are leading the points table in the group with four points.
England Women are leading the points table in the group with four points.
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📢Nat Sciver-Brunt ruled out of England’s next two T20 World Cup matches with calf injury
Nat Sciver-Brunt ruled out of England’s next two T20 World Cup matches with calf injury (Photo Source: Harry Murphy - ECB/ECB via Getty Images)
England captain Nat Sciver-Brunt has been ruled out of the team's next two fixtures after scans confirmed she suffered another calf strain while batting against Ireland. Sciver-Brunt retired hurt on 48 during England's four-wicket victory in Southampton after experiencing tightness in the same left calf muscle she injured while playing county cricket earlier this summer.
The all-rounder had only recently returned to action, having been cleared to feature in warm-up matches against Australia and India last week as a specialist batter. However, the recurrence of the injury has forced England to manage her workload carefully. In a statement, the England and Wales Cricket Board confirmed that Sciver-Brunt will miss England’s upcoming matches against Scotland and West Indies as she continues her recovery.
"Nat will continue to be monitored and assessed by the England medical team as she undertakes her rehab while remaining in the squad," the statement said as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.
England remained hopeful that captain Nat Sciver-Brunt could return for their final group-stage fixture against New Zealand Women's at The Oval on June 27, despite being ruled out of the next two matches with a calf injury. In her absence, spin-bowling all-rounder Charlie Dean will lead the side, having previously captained England during recent bilateral series victories over New Zealand and India.
Sciver-Brunt's absence is a major setback for England, given her impressive form at the tournament, where she has scored 94 runs without being dismissed. Sophia Dunkley, the reserve batter in the squad, is expected to replace her for England's clash against Scotland at Headingley on June 20.
Former captain Heather Knight expressed confidence in the team’s ability to cope without Sciver-Brunt, pointing to England’s strong performances and series successes under Dean’s leadership in recent months. England will take on Scotland Women on Saturday, June 20 at Leeds, Headingley.
"We've been able to do things really well without Nat. I think Deano did a brilliant job stepping into Nat's shoes,” said Knight.
Nat Sciver-Brunt ruled out of England’s next two T20 World Cup matches with calf injury (Photo Source: Harry Murphy - ECB/ECB via Getty Images)
England captain Nat Sciver-Brunt has been ruled out of the team's next two fixtures after scans confirmed she suffered another calf strain while batting against Ireland. Sciver-Brunt retired hurt on 48 during England's four-wicket victory in Southampton after experiencing tightness in the same left calf muscle she injured while playing county cricket earlier this summer.
The all-rounder had only recently returned to action, having been cleared to feature in warm-up matches against Australia and India last week as a specialist batter. However, the recurrence of the injury has forced England to manage her workload carefully. In a statement, the England and Wales Cricket Board confirmed that Sciver-Brunt will miss England’s upcoming matches against Scotland and West Indies as she continues her recovery.
"Nat will continue to be monitored and assessed by the England medical team as she undertakes her rehab while remaining in the squad," the statement said as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.
England remained hopeful that captain Nat Sciver-Brunt could return for their final group-stage fixture against New Zealand Women's at The Oval on June 27, despite being ruled out of the next two matches with a calf injury. In her absence, spin-bowling all-rounder Charlie Dean will lead the side, having previously captained England during recent bilateral series victories over New Zealand and India.
Sciver-Brunt's absence is a major setback for England, given her impressive form at the tournament, where she has scored 94 runs without being dismissed. Sophia Dunkley, the reserve batter in the squad, is expected to replace her for England's clash against Scotland at Headingley on June 20.
Former captain Heather Knight expressed confidence in the team’s ability to cope without Sciver-Brunt, pointing to England’s strong performances and series successes under Dean’s leadership in recent months. England will take on Scotland Women on Saturday, June 20 at Leeds, Headingley.
"We've been able to do things really well without Nat. I think Deano did a brilliant job stepping into Nat's shoes,” said Knight.
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s the next match?
The third ODI in this three-match series takes place on Saturday, June 20, at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.
The third ODI in this three-match series takes place on Saturday, June 20, at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.
IND vs AFG 2026: India vs Afghanistan Highlights & Review – 2nd ODI
India won the second ODI by 170 runs to win the three-match series.
India won the second ODI by 170 runs to win the three-match series.
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Ireland suffer injury blow as Ava Canning ruled out of T20 World Cup 2026
Ireland Women have lost two games so far in the World Cup.
Ireland Women have lost two games so far in the World Cup.
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📢Ireland suffer injury blow as Ava Canning ruled out of T20 World Cup 2026
Ireland suffer injury blow as Ava Canning ruled out of T20 World Cup 2026 (Photo Source: George Wood - ECB/ECB via Getty Images)
Ireland have drafted in Jane Maguire as an injury replacement for Ava Canning, who has been ruled out of the Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 after suffering a stress fracture in her back. The replacement was approved by the tournament’s technical committee on Wednesday, June 17, with Maguire set to be available for selection for Ireland’s upcoming clash against New Zealand Women on Friday, June 19.
Canning had already missed Ireland’s second group-stage fixture against England, where she was replaced by Louise Little. Despite a spirited effort from the Irish bowling attack, the team fell to a four-wicket defeat against the hosts in Southampton. The loss followed their opening-game setback against Scotland Women, leaving Ireland winless after two matches in the tournament.
Maguire’s inclusion marks an encouraging comeback for the young pacer, who had been in danger of missing the World Cup altogether after suffering a knee injury during domestic cricket in early May. However, an ahead-of-schedule recovery has earned her a place in the squad, where she joins her sister, Aimee Maguire. The siblings will now be part of Ireland’s bid to secure their first-ever victory in Women’s T20 World Cup history.
Ireland’s campaign began with a 40-run defeat to Scotland, although Canning impressed with figures of 3/27. Batter Amy Hunter top-scored with 39 runs in that contest. In the second match against England, Aimee Maguire and Orla Prendergast picked up two wickets apiece, while Prendergast and Little made useful contributions with the bat, though the rest of the batting unit struggled to make an impact.
Ireland will next face the White Ferns at The Rose Bowl, Southampton on June 19, hoping to bounce back and keep their campaign alive with a much-needed victory.
Ireland squad:
Gaby Lewis (c), Christina Coulter Reilly, Alana Dalzell, Georgina Dempsey, Amy Hunter, Arlene Kelly, Louise Little, Aimee Maguire, Jane Maguire, Lara McBride, Cara Murray, Leah Paul, Orla Prendergast, Rebecca Stokell, Alice Tector
Ireland suffer injury blow as Ava Canning ruled out of T20 World Cup 2026 (Photo Source: George Wood - ECB/ECB via Getty Images)
Ireland have drafted in Jane Maguire as an injury replacement for Ava Canning, who has been ruled out of the Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 after suffering a stress fracture in her back. The replacement was approved by the tournament’s technical committee on Wednesday, June 17, with Maguire set to be available for selection for Ireland’s upcoming clash against New Zealand Women on Friday, June 19.
Canning had already missed Ireland’s second group-stage fixture against England, where she was replaced by Louise Little. Despite a spirited effort from the Irish bowling attack, the team fell to a four-wicket defeat against the hosts in Southampton. The loss followed their opening-game setback against Scotland Women, leaving Ireland winless after two matches in the tournament.
Maguire’s inclusion marks an encouraging comeback for the young pacer, who had been in danger of missing the World Cup altogether after suffering a knee injury during domestic cricket in early May. However, an ahead-of-schedule recovery has earned her a place in the squad, where she joins her sister, Aimee Maguire. The siblings will now be part of Ireland’s bid to secure their first-ever victory in Women’s T20 World Cup history.
Ireland’s campaign began with a 40-run defeat to Scotland, although Canning impressed with figures of 3/27. Batter Amy Hunter top-scored with 39 runs in that contest. In the second match against England, Aimee Maguire and Orla Prendergast picked up two wickets apiece, while Prendergast and Little made useful contributions with the bat, though the rest of the batting unit struggled to make an impact.
Ireland will next face the White Ferns at The Rose Bowl, Southampton on June 19, hoping to bounce back and keep their campaign alive with a much-needed victory.
Ireland squad:
Gaby Lewis (c), Christina Coulter Reilly, Alana Dalzell, Georgina Dempsey, Amy Hunter, Arlene Kelly, Louise Little, Aimee Maguire, Jane Maguire, Lara McBride, Cara Murray, Leah Paul, Orla Prendergast, Rebecca Stokell, Alice Tector
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Women's T20 World Cup 2026: IND W vs NED W Today's Match Highlights: Unmissable video recap, POTM, match analysis, stats and more
India Women won by 95 runs.
India Women won by 95 runs.
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📢3 players who can lead India Women after Harmanpreet Kaur
Jemimah Rodrigues and Harmanpreet Kaur. (Photo source: Alex Davidson-ICC/ICC via Getty Images)
Some players do not just play the game; they transform it. In Indian women’s cricket, Harmanpreet Kaur is undoubtedly one such player. With her fearless approach and aggressive batting style, she brought a new dimension to the game and inspired a generation of cricketers across the country.
Under her leadership, India reached new heights, including the historic triumph in the 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup on home soil. However, as Harmanpreet enters the twilight phase of her illustrious career, discussions about the team’s future leadership have naturally begun.
The question now is, who will take over the captaincy mantle and lead Indian women’s cricket into its next era? With the rise of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) and the emergence of several capable leaders, the Indian women's team has a number of promising candidates who could step up to fill the role.
Here are 3 possible future Indian women's captains after Harmanpreet Kaur:
3. Deepti Sharma
Deepti Sharma. (Source:Gettyimages)
One of the most prominent names in Indian women’s cricket, Deepti Sharma , can be considered for the role after Harmanpreet Kaur. Deepti has played more than 275 international matches for India. With immense experience under her belt, she may already have the respect of her teammates and brings the seniority factor with her as well.
In the WPL, Deepti also captained her franchise, the UP Warriorz, briefly when the then regular captain, Alyssa Healy, was injured. She is just 28 years old and can be considered a long-term captaincy option in the future.
2. Jemimah Rodrigues
Jemimah Rodrigues (Source: Alex Davidson-ICC/ICC via Getty Images)
The enigmatic Indian batter Jemimah Rodrigues will be a great candidate for the captaincy duties after Harmanpreet Kaur. The 25-year-old is one of the most experienced players, especially in the shorter formats, and is a regular member of the squad for the last few years.
As far as captaincy is concerned, she impressed everyone in the WPL 2026, where she was appointed as Delhi Capitals Women’s captain, replacing Meg Lanning. Jemimah took the side to the final of that season, showcasing her credentials as captain. With age on her side, she can be a solid captaincy option for the Women in Blue.
1. Smriti Mandhana
Smriti Mandhana (Photo by Mike Egerton/PA Images via Getty Images)
The most obvious choice to replace Harmanpreet Kaur as India’s captain will be the current vice-captain Smriti Mandhana . The experienced left-hand batter has a stellar record as captain in the WPL, leading RCB to two titles in 2024 and 2026, respectively. She also has captained India before as well and became India’s youngest-ever T20I captain when she led for the first time in 2019.
In T20Is, Smriti has led India 18 times and has won 11 of those matches, often filling in the void of Harmanpreet. Whereas in ODIs, she has a 100% record as India captain, winning all four matches. With an established captaincy record, she is the ideal captaincy choice for the Indian team beyond the depature of the Moga-bonr.
Jemimah Rodrigues and Harmanpreet Kaur. (Photo source: Alex Davidson-ICC/ICC via Getty Images)
Some players do not just play the game; they transform it. In Indian women’s cricket, Harmanpreet Kaur is undoubtedly one such player. With her fearless approach and aggressive batting style, she brought a new dimension to the game and inspired a generation of cricketers across the country.
Under her leadership, India reached new heights, including the historic triumph in the 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup on home soil. However, as Harmanpreet enters the twilight phase of her illustrious career, discussions about the team’s future leadership have naturally begun.
The question now is, who will take over the captaincy mantle and lead Indian women’s cricket into its next era? With the rise of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) and the emergence of several capable leaders, the Indian women's team has a number of promising candidates who could step up to fill the role.
Here are 3 possible future Indian women's captains after Harmanpreet Kaur:
3. Deepti Sharma
Deepti Sharma. (Source:Gettyimages)
One of the most prominent names in Indian women’s cricket, Deepti Sharma , can be considered for the role after Harmanpreet Kaur. Deepti has played more than 275 international matches for India. With immense experience under her belt, she may already have the respect of her teammates and brings the seniority factor with her as well.
In the WPL, Deepti also captained her franchise, the UP Warriorz, briefly when the then regular captain, Alyssa Healy, was injured. She is just 28 years old and can be considered a long-term captaincy option in the future.
2. Jemimah Rodrigues
Jemimah Rodrigues (Source: Alex Davidson-ICC/ICC via Getty Images)
The enigmatic Indian batter Jemimah Rodrigues will be a great candidate for the captaincy duties after Harmanpreet Kaur. The 25-year-old is one of the most experienced players, especially in the shorter formats, and is a regular member of the squad for the last few years.
As far as captaincy is concerned, she impressed everyone in the WPL 2026, where she was appointed as Delhi Capitals Women’s captain, replacing Meg Lanning. Jemimah took the side to the final of that season, showcasing her credentials as captain. With age on her side, she can be a solid captaincy option for the Women in Blue.
1. Smriti Mandhana
Smriti Mandhana (Photo by Mike Egerton/PA Images via Getty Images)
The most obvious choice to replace Harmanpreet Kaur as India’s captain will be the current vice-captain Smriti Mandhana . The experienced left-hand batter has a stellar record as captain in the WPL, leading RCB to two titles in 2024 and 2026, respectively. She also has captained India before as well and became India’s youngest-ever T20I captain when she led for the first time in 2019.
In T20Is, Smriti has led India 18 times and has won 11 of those matches, often filling in the void of Harmanpreet. Whereas in ODIs, she has a 100% record as India captain, winning all four matches. With an established captaincy record, she is the ideal captaincy choice for the Indian team beyond the depature of the Moga-bonr.
3 players who can lead India Women after Harmanpreet Kaur
Harmanpreet enters the twilight phase of her illustrious career, discussions about the team’s future leadership have naturally begun.
Harmanpreet enters the twilight phase of her illustrious career, discussions about the team’s future leadership have naturally begun.
Women's T20 World Cup 2026: PAK W vs SA W Today's Match Highlights: Unmissable video recap, POTM, match analysis, stats and more
South Africa registered their first win of the tournament.
South Africa registered their first win of the tournament.
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'She keeps me calm' - Shafali Verma credits Smriti Mandhana's presence after their century stand vs Netherlands
Verma and Mandhana put on 115 runs for the first wicket from just 71 balls to help India reach 209 from 20 overs.
Verma and Mandhana put on 115 runs for the first wicket from just 71 balls to help India reach 209 from 20 overs.
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📢Women's T20 World Cup 2026: PAK W vs SA W Today's Match Highlights: Unmissable video recap, POTM, match analysis, stats and more
Marizanne Kapp. (Photo Source: Matthew Lewis-ICC/ICC via Getty Images)
How did Match 11 of the Women's T20 World Cup 2026 go between Pakistan Women and South Africa Women?
In a contest which could have gone either way, South Africa Women (SA W) clinched a solid win against Pakistan Women (PAK W) in Match 11 of the ongoing Women's T20 World Cup 2026 , getting over the line with two wickets and 19 balls to spare at Edgbaston, Birmingham , on Wednesday, June 17 .
As the match kicked off in style, Pakistan batted first, and despite a horrendous start where they lost half the side in the powerplay with just 29 runs on the board, they put up a fight through a terrific comeback. Captain Fatima Sana (55 off 38) and Tuba Hassan (23 off 27) did an excellent recovery job for the Women in Green, as they were able to score 126-9 at the end of their 20 overs.
For the Proteas, the start wasn't as easy, since the difficult conditions at Edgbaston did not allow for a free flow of runs. A collapse in the middle made the game swing the opposite way for a while, and the Fatima Sana-led side genuinely seemed to have made a comeback in their defence. But the South Africans managed to pull things back in their favour and registered a solid win to get off the mark in the tournament.
Top Batting Performance: Annerie Dercksen
South Africa had lost opener Sune Luus in the second over of the chase, but Annerie Dercksen's arrival at the crease meant that the Proteas were in safe hands. Dercksen dominated the powerplay, taking the maximum advantage of the field restrictions. Once skipper Laura Wolvaardt departed for 8 off 12, Dercksen took the charge in her own hands and steered the run chase with her 52-run knock off just 35 deliveries, batting on an extremely difficult track.
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Top Bowling Performance: Marizanne Kapp
The experience of Marizanne Kapp (3-23 in 4 overs) was on display right away, as she began the proceedings with the ball and struck on the first ball, trapping Muneeba Ali lbw. She struck for the second time in the first over, this time getting rid of another opener, Gull Feroza, on the last ball. In her second over, Kapp got the better of Ayesha Zafar, completing her three wickets that put her side right on top of the contest early on.
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Records Broken and Major Milestones Achieved
Fatima Sana and Tuba Hassan registered the highest 9th-wicket partnership (71) for Pakistan Women in T20Is.
Annerie Dercksen made his first fifty in T20 World Cups.
South Africa has maintained an unbeaten record against Pakistan in WT20 World Cups, winning all four contests thus far.
Fatima Sana became the first captain to score 50+ and pick 3 wickets in a Women’s T20 World Cup match.
Fatima Sana became the fourth player overall to score a 50 and pick 3 wickets in the same match in WT20 WCs.
South Africa's lowest victory by margin of wickets in the tournament's history. Joint second-lowest overall.
Who won the Player of the Match award?
Annerie Dercksen. (Photo Source: Jacob King/PA Images via Getty Images)
Dercksen, who registered her maiden half-century in the T20 World Cup and steered the brilliant run chase for the Proteas, was adjudged the Player of the Match. Her knock in the middle included seven beautiful boundaries and a couple of glorious sixes as well, as she helped the South African side gain a couple of crucial points on the table.
When is the next match?
Scotland and the West Indies will be seen crossing swords in the next match of the Women's T20 World Cup 2026. This contest will be played on Thursday, June 18 at the Headingley in Leeds.
Marizanne Kapp. (Photo Source: Matthew Lewis-ICC/ICC via Getty Images)
How did Match 11 of the Women's T20 World Cup 2026 go between Pakistan Women and South Africa Women?
In a contest which could have gone either way, South Africa Women (SA W) clinched a solid win against Pakistan Women (PAK W) in Match 11 of the ongoing Women's T20 World Cup 2026 , getting over the line with two wickets and 19 balls to spare at Edgbaston, Birmingham , on Wednesday, June 17 .
As the match kicked off in style, Pakistan batted first, and despite a horrendous start where they lost half the side in the powerplay with just 29 runs on the board, they put up a fight through a terrific comeback. Captain Fatima Sana (55 off 38) and Tuba Hassan (23 off 27) did an excellent recovery job for the Women in Green, as they were able to score 126-9 at the end of their 20 overs.
For the Proteas, the start wasn't as easy, since the difficult conditions at Edgbaston did not allow for a free flow of runs. A collapse in the middle made the game swing the opposite way for a while, and the Fatima Sana-led side genuinely seemed to have made a comeback in their defence. But the South Africans managed to pull things back in their favour and registered a solid win to get off the mark in the tournament.
Top Batting Performance: Annerie Dercksen
South Africa had lost opener Sune Luus in the second over of the chase, but Annerie Dercksen's arrival at the crease meant that the Proteas were in safe hands. Dercksen dominated the powerplay, taking the maximum advantage of the field restrictions. Once skipper Laura Wolvaardt departed for 8 off 12, Dercksen took the charge in her own hands and steered the run chase with her 52-run knock off just 35 deliveries, batting on an extremely difficult track.
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by ICC (@icc)
Top Bowling Performance: Marizanne Kapp
The experience of Marizanne Kapp (3-23 in 4 overs) was on display right away, as she began the proceedings with the ball and struck on the first ball, trapping Muneeba Ali lbw. She struck for the second time in the first over, this time getting rid of another opener, Gull Feroza, on the last ball. In her second over, Kapp got the better of Ayesha Zafar, completing her three wickets that put her side right on top of the contest early on.
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by ICC (@icc)
Records Broken and Major Milestones Achieved
Fatima Sana and Tuba Hassan registered the highest 9th-wicket partnership (71) for Pakistan Women in T20Is.
Annerie Dercksen made his first fifty in T20 World Cups.
South Africa has maintained an unbeaten record against Pakistan in WT20 World Cups, winning all four contests thus far.
Fatima Sana became the first captain to score 50+ and pick 3 wickets in a Women’s T20 World Cup match.
Fatima Sana became the fourth player overall to score a 50 and pick 3 wickets in the same match in WT20 WCs.
South Africa's lowest victory by margin of wickets in the tournament's history. Joint second-lowest overall.
Who won the Player of the Match award?
Annerie Dercksen. (Photo Source: Jacob King/PA Images via Getty Images)
Dercksen, who registered her maiden half-century in the T20 World Cup and steered the brilliant run chase for the Proteas, was adjudged the Player of the Match. Her knock in the middle included seven beautiful boundaries and a couple of glorious sixes as well, as she helped the South African side gain a couple of crucial points on the table.
When is the next match?
Scotland and the West Indies will be seen crossing swords in the next match of the Women's T20 World Cup 2026. This contest will be played on Thursday, June 18 at the Headingley in Leeds.
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📢'She keeps me calm' - Shafali Verma credits Smriti Mandhana's presence after their century stand vs Netherlands
Shafali Verma x Smriti Mandhana (Source: Mark Brake/Getty Images)
Shafali Verma has acknowledged how Smriti Mandhana's presence helps her perform to the best of her abilities whilst opening the batting. This comes after the pair played a significant role in helping India Women secure a convincing 95-run victory over the Netherlands Women during the 2026 Women's T20 World Cup.
Verma stated that Mandhana constantly advises her not to strive and hit every ball for big runs, and instead to wait for the right opportunity by knocking the ball along the ground. This calming presence on the field helped the pair forge a 100-run partnership whilst opening the batting, with the 22-year-old hitting her maiden T20I half-century, and the more experienced Mandhana went on to score a 47-ball 74 to be named Player of the Match.
Verma, along with the left-handed batter, put on 115 runs for the first wicket from just 71 balls to help India reach 209 from 20 overs.
"She keeps advising me, because I feel like hitting a six every ball, but she's the one who keeps me calm, tells me loose balls will come and I have to play along the ground too. So she keeps me calm and she spoke very well with me today, she was making me understand on every ball. So it felt great, we had a 100-plus partnership and we are trying to do the same in the upcoming matches," Shafali said in the press conference via ESPNcricinfo.
Verma also stated the importance of having an opening partner who understands each other's game, strengths and weaknesses. This helps the duo rotate the strike according to the bowler and make full use of their varied skill sets.
"She has the best seat to tell me what I'm doing is right or wrong, and then even I have the best seat to tell her which bowler I can take on. We both know who should take the strike when there's an offspinner, or when there's a left-arm spinner. We have been playing with each other for many years, so we both know about each other a lot," she added.
India secured their second consecutive win in the 2026 Women's T20 World Cup and currently find themselves at the top of Group 1 with four points from two matches. Their next game will see them face South Africa Women at Old Trafford in Manchester on Sunday, June 21, in what could decide their chances to qualify for the knockouts.
Shafali Verma x Smriti Mandhana (Source: Mark Brake/Getty Images)
Shafali Verma has acknowledged how Smriti Mandhana's presence helps her perform to the best of her abilities whilst opening the batting. This comes after the pair played a significant role in helping India Women secure a convincing 95-run victory over the Netherlands Women during the 2026 Women's T20 World Cup.
Verma stated that Mandhana constantly advises her not to strive and hit every ball for big runs, and instead to wait for the right opportunity by knocking the ball along the ground. This calming presence on the field helped the pair forge a 100-run partnership whilst opening the batting, with the 22-year-old hitting her maiden T20I half-century, and the more experienced Mandhana went on to score a 47-ball 74 to be named Player of the Match.
Verma, along with the left-handed batter, put on 115 runs for the first wicket from just 71 balls to help India reach 209 from 20 overs.
"She keeps advising me, because I feel like hitting a six every ball, but she's the one who keeps me calm, tells me loose balls will come and I have to play along the ground too. So she keeps me calm and she spoke very well with me today, she was making me understand on every ball. So it felt great, we had a 100-plus partnership and we are trying to do the same in the upcoming matches," Shafali said in the press conference via ESPNcricinfo.
Verma also stated the importance of having an opening partner who understands each other's game, strengths and weaknesses. This helps the duo rotate the strike according to the bowler and make full use of their varied skill sets.
"She has the best seat to tell me what I'm doing is right or wrong, and then even I have the best seat to tell her which bowler I can take on. We both know who should take the strike when there's an offspinner, or when there's a left-arm spinner. We have been playing with each other for many years, so we both know about each other a lot," she added.
India secured their second consecutive win in the 2026 Women's T20 World Cup and currently find themselves at the top of Group 1 with four points from two matches. Their next game will see them face South Africa Women at Old Trafford in Manchester on Sunday, June 21, in what could decide their chances to qualify for the knockouts.
Women's T20 World Cup 2026: Shreyanka Patil stretchered off the field after twisting her ankle
The off-spinner landed awkwardly on her right ankle while picking up the ball and turning, and immediately fell to the ground.
The off-spinner landed awkwardly on her right ankle while picking up the ball and turning, and immediately fell to the ground.
📢Women's T20 World Cup 2026: Shreyanka Patil stretchered off the field after twisting her ankle
Women's T20 World Cup 2026: Shreyanka Patil stretchered off the field after twisting her ankle(Photo Source: BCCI Women)
India Women 's all-rounder Shreyanka Patil was stretchered off the field after twisting her ankle during the 95-run win over the Netherlands Women in Headingley on Wednesday, June 17. Bowling her first ball of the game, Patil ran towards mid-on to stop the ball, where she twisted her ankle and had to be taken off the field on a stretcher.
In the first ball of the sixth over, Netherlands batter Phebe Molkenboer tapped the ball towards mid-on. Patil ran after it to stop the single and reached the ball after Yastika Bhatia palmed the ball away with a diving effort. The off-spinner landed awkwardly on her right ankle while picking up the ball and turning, and immediately fell to the ground.
She lay on the ground, clutching her right ankle, as the Indian team physiotherapist came out. While trying to stand up, she was unable to balance any weight on her right leg, and eventually had to be stretchered off the field. Shafali Verma completed the sixth over with Radha Yadav being brought in to field.
Patil has been out of action for multiple periods due to long injury layoffs in 2024 and 2025. She suffered a finger fracture on her left hand in July 2024, which was followed by shin splints in both legs and then a stress issue in her wrist. She was back to full fitness in September of 2025, where she represented the Barbados Royals in the Women's CPL and was a regular feature of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the 2026 WPL.
Speaking of the match, India put on a massive 209 for 5 in their 20 overs after being put into bat. A 115-run opening stand between Shafali and Smriti Mandhana , with late fireworks from Richa Ghosh, took the team to the mammoth total. Mandhana top-scored with a well-made 74 off 47 balls, her second consecutive half-century of the tournament, while Shafali scored 55 off 38 balls. The Netherlands were bowled out for 114, with Shree Charani finishing with figures of 4 for 19 and Shafali picking up figures of 3 for 20.
India sit top of Group A, with two wins from two matches. Their next match is against South Africa Women on June 21 at Old Trafford in Manchester.
Women's T20 World Cup 2026: Shreyanka Patil stretchered off the field after twisting her ankle(Photo Source: BCCI Women)
India Women 's all-rounder Shreyanka Patil was stretchered off the field after twisting her ankle during the 95-run win over the Netherlands Women in Headingley on Wednesday, June 17. Bowling her first ball of the game, Patil ran towards mid-on to stop the ball, where she twisted her ankle and had to be taken off the field on a stretcher.
In the first ball of the sixth over, Netherlands batter Phebe Molkenboer tapped the ball towards mid-on. Patil ran after it to stop the single and reached the ball after Yastika Bhatia palmed the ball away with a diving effort. The off-spinner landed awkwardly on her right ankle while picking up the ball and turning, and immediately fell to the ground.
She lay on the ground, clutching her right ankle, as the Indian team physiotherapist came out. While trying to stand up, she was unable to balance any weight on her right leg, and eventually had to be stretchered off the field. Shafali Verma completed the sixth over with Radha Yadav being brought in to field.
Patil has been out of action for multiple periods due to long injury layoffs in 2024 and 2025. She suffered a finger fracture on her left hand in July 2024, which was followed by shin splints in both legs and then a stress issue in her wrist. She was back to full fitness in September of 2025, where she represented the Barbados Royals in the Women's CPL and was a regular feature of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the 2026 WPL.
Speaking of the match, India put on a massive 209 for 5 in their 20 overs after being put into bat. A 115-run opening stand between Shafali and Smriti Mandhana , with late fireworks from Richa Ghosh, took the team to the mammoth total. Mandhana top-scored with a well-made 74 off 47 balls, her second consecutive half-century of the tournament, while Shafali scored 55 off 38 balls. The Netherlands were bowled out for 114, with Shree Charani finishing with figures of 4 for 19 and Shafali picking up figures of 3 for 20.
India sit top of Group A, with two wins from two matches. Their next match is against South Africa Women on June 21 at Old Trafford in Manchester.
📢'I love doing it' - Ellyse Perry on her ability to contribute as an all-rounder after Australia vs Bangladesh
Ellyse Perry. (Photo Source: George Wood/Getty Images)
Australia all-rounder Ellyse Perry said she relishes contributing across all facets of her game, including bowling, after helping her side beat Bangladesh in the 2026 Women's T20 World Cup on Wednesday, June 17. The 35-year-old returned to her best with the ball, taking 2 for 14 from three overs to restrict the opposition to just 77 in the first innings.
Perry stated that she enjoys working on her bowling and learning new things to keep things different. She was pleased that her hard work came to fruition at Headingley on Wednesday.
"Any opportunity (I get) to contribute, I really enjoy doing that with this wonderful group of players. I've been chipping away with my bowling, I love doing it, it keeps me interested at training to have a trundle. There's bits and pieces you've always got to learn and try and develop and I've been doing that for the last little bit. So to have an opportunity today was really enjoyable," Perry said after the Bangladesh match via Cricket Australia.
Perry has been renowned for her all-round skill across her 19-year-long international career. The right-hander, however, has not bowled regularly over the past few years and has instead focused more on their contributions with the bat. In the last 32 T20Is that Australia has played in, Perry has bowled just eight times. However, she showed her prowess with the bowl against Bangladesh and remains a valuable asset to her side's arsenal.
Australia captain Sophie Molineux also talked about the importance of having an experienced bowler in Perry amongst their ranks. Despite the reduction in her role as a bowler, the experienced all-rounder is also prepared to come in and bowl whenever required, as she remains match-ready thanks to constant training.
"She bowls every single training. And even when she hasn't bowled, she's ready at any point, which is really admirable for someone to have been playing the game for 20 years and still has such an impact with the bat and has chipped away at something in the background. When she gets the opportunity, she makes that count, so I'm really pleased for her," Sophie Molineux said.
Perry has 129 wickets from 176 T20I matches since making her debut back in 2008. She is renowned for being extremely economical, conceding runs at just 5.83. Before the start of the 2026 Women's T20 World Cup, she bowled twice in the warm-up matches, against South Africa and the West Indies, where she picked a wicket each.
Ellyse Perry. (Photo Source: George Wood/Getty Images)
Australia all-rounder Ellyse Perry said she relishes contributing across all facets of her game, including bowling, after helping her side beat Bangladesh in the 2026 Women's T20 World Cup on Wednesday, June 17. The 35-year-old returned to her best with the ball, taking 2 for 14 from three overs to restrict the opposition to just 77 in the first innings.
Perry stated that she enjoys working on her bowling and learning new things to keep things different. She was pleased that her hard work came to fruition at Headingley on Wednesday.
"Any opportunity (I get) to contribute, I really enjoy doing that with this wonderful group of players. I've been chipping away with my bowling, I love doing it, it keeps me interested at training to have a trundle. There's bits and pieces you've always got to learn and try and develop and I've been doing that for the last little bit. So to have an opportunity today was really enjoyable," Perry said after the Bangladesh match via Cricket Australia.
Perry has been renowned for her all-round skill across her 19-year-long international career. The right-hander, however, has not bowled regularly over the past few years and has instead focused more on their contributions with the bat. In the last 32 T20Is that Australia has played in, Perry has bowled just eight times. However, she showed her prowess with the bowl against Bangladesh and remains a valuable asset to her side's arsenal.
Australia captain Sophie Molineux also talked about the importance of having an experienced bowler in Perry amongst their ranks. Despite the reduction in her role as a bowler, the experienced all-rounder is also prepared to come in and bowl whenever required, as she remains match-ready thanks to constant training.
"She bowls every single training. And even when she hasn't bowled, she's ready at any point, which is really admirable for someone to have been playing the game for 20 years and still has such an impact with the bat and has chipped away at something in the background. When she gets the opportunity, she makes that count, so I'm really pleased for her," Sophie Molineux said.
Perry has 129 wickets from 176 T20I matches since making her debut back in 2008. She is renowned for being extremely economical, conceding runs at just 5.83. Before the start of the 2026 Women's T20 World Cup, she bowled twice in the warm-up matches, against South Africa and the West Indies, where she picked a wicket each.
'I love doing it' - Ellyse Perry on her ability to contribute as an all-rounder after Australia vs Bangladesh
The 35-year-old returned to her best with the ball, taking 2 for 14 from three overs to restrict the opposition to just 77 in the first innings.
The 35-year-old returned to her best with the ball, taking 2 for 14 from three overs to restrict the opposition to just 77 in the first innings.
Deepti Sharma matches Jhulan Goswami's all-time record for most women's international wickets
Deepti Sharma has started her Women's T20 World Cup 2026 campaign brilliantly. She has played handy cameos and taken important wickets through the middle overs in the two games India have played.
Deepti Sharma has started her Women's T20 World Cup 2026 campaign brilliantly. She has played handy cameos and taken important wickets through the middle overs in the two games India have played.
📢Deepti Sharma matches Jhulan Goswami's all-time record for most women's international wickets
Deepti Sharma (Source - Pankaj Nangia/Getty Image)
Deepti Sharma has made a fine start to her campaign in the Women's T20 World Cup 2026. She has played handy cameos and taken important wickets through the middle overs in the two games India have played.
After bagging a five-for in India's opening game against arch-rivals Pakistan at Edgbaston, Birmingham, the spin-bowling all-rounder created history on Wednesday, June 17, against the Netherlands at Headingley, Leeds.
Deepti dismissed Phebe Molkenboer in the eighth over on Wednesday and tied with compatriot and former pacer Jhulan Goswami for most wickets in women's international cricket.
Now, both Jhulan and Deepti are tied with 355 wickets at the international level each, followed by England's Katherine Sciver-Brunt (335), Australia legend Ellyse Perry (332), England spinner Sophie Ecclestone (327) and South Africa pacer Shabnim Ismail (318).
With 166 wickets in 124 matches, Deepti is India's second-highest ODI wicket-taker next to Jhulan (255). In T20Is, Deepti is exclusively holding the top spot, having taken 167 wickets in 146 matches globally. She also has 22 wickets in six Tests for India.
In the game against the Netherlands, India were invited to bat first, and the opening pair of Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma smashed exhilarating half-centuries to put the Women's ODI World Cup champions in a position of strength. Yastika Bhatia, Richa Ghosh, and Deepti played enterprising cameos to take India's total beyond the 200-run mark. The Dutch side was set a daunting target of 210.
Apart from the top four batters in the Netherlands' batting order, no one else got to double figures. Skipper Babette de Leede was the top-scorer, but her 28-run knock came off 27 balls. For India, Shree Charani starred with a four-for. Shafali also chipped in with three wickets. Nandni Sharma, making her Women's T20 World Cup debut, took two wickets. However, the Asian giants suffered a setback when Shreyanka Patil had to be stretchered off the field after sustaining a leg injury while fielding.
Deepti Sharma (Source - Pankaj Nangia/Getty Image)
Deepti Sharma has made a fine start to her campaign in the Women's T20 World Cup 2026. She has played handy cameos and taken important wickets through the middle overs in the two games India have played.
After bagging a five-for in India's opening game against arch-rivals Pakistan at Edgbaston, Birmingham, the spin-bowling all-rounder created history on Wednesday, June 17, against the Netherlands at Headingley, Leeds.
Deepti dismissed Phebe Molkenboer in the eighth over on Wednesday and tied with compatriot and former pacer Jhulan Goswami for most wickets in women's international cricket.
Now, both Jhulan and Deepti are tied with 355 wickets at the international level each, followed by England's Katherine Sciver-Brunt (335), Australia legend Ellyse Perry (332), England spinner Sophie Ecclestone (327) and South Africa pacer Shabnim Ismail (318).
With 166 wickets in 124 matches, Deepti is India's second-highest ODI wicket-taker next to Jhulan (255). In T20Is, Deepti is exclusively holding the top spot, having taken 167 wickets in 146 matches globally. She also has 22 wickets in six Tests for India.
In the game against the Netherlands, India were invited to bat first, and the opening pair of Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma smashed exhilarating half-centuries to put the Women's ODI World Cup champions in a position of strength. Yastika Bhatia, Richa Ghosh, and Deepti played enterprising cameos to take India's total beyond the 200-run mark. The Dutch side was set a daunting target of 210.
Apart from the top four batters in the Netherlands' batting order, no one else got to double figures. Skipper Babette de Leede was the top-scorer, but her 28-run knock came off 27 balls. For India, Shree Charani starred with a four-for. Shafali also chipped in with three wickets. Nandni Sharma, making her Women's T20 World Cup debut, took two wickets. However, the Asian giants suffered a setback when Shreyanka Patil had to be stretchered off the field after sustaining a leg injury while fielding.
📢'As soon as he switches to India jersey from IPL, he's a different player' - Manoj Tiwary's huge praise for Arshdeep Singh after heroics in 2nd ODI
Arshdeep Singh (Source: BCCI)
Former Bengal captain Manoj Tiwary lauded Arshdeep Singh after the left-arm pacer bagged a three-for in the second ODI against Afghanistan at the BRSABV Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow on Wednesday, June 17.
Arshdeep wasn't at his best during the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026. In 14 matches, he picked up as many wickets at an average of 38.64 and conceded runs at an economy rate of 10.21. While these numbers aren't too impressive, the left-arm spinner has returned to his best after putting on the India jersey, picking up five wickets in the first two ODIs against Afghanistan.
Tiwary said that IPL is "just entertainment cricket" and that the setup is designed so batters will dominate bowlers. He also pointed out that Arshdeep looks to have regained his rhythm, something that he lacked during the IPL. The Punjab pacer also started vlogging actively, posting videos on social media and sometimes landing in controversy. However, he hasn't been doing that during the ongoing series, and Tiwary feels that having no distractions is helping the 27-year-old.
"IPL is just entertainment cricket, to be honest with you. The format is T20, but it is just full-on entertainment, where things are set up for batters and bowlers only get hit. So you cannot compare and judge performances from there. As soon as he switches to India jersey from IPL, he's a different player. We have seen that in T20Is, he has a better numbers of striking in the first over than Jasprit Bumrah," Manoj Tiwary said on Cricbuzz.
"His rhythm has come back now. He has stopped doing some things that he was doing in the IPL. He used to do all of that in the IPL, he has stopped now, we don't see much of him on social media. When you move away from distractions and focus on things that matter, then the consistency in performances is there. It is good to see him leading the attack and pick wickets for his country," he added.
Arshdeep finished with figures of 3/45 in nine overs on Wednesday. Gurnoor Brar and Prince Yadav took three and two wickets, respectively, as Afghanistan were bowled out for 232 in 44.3 overs. They lost by 170 runs, chasing down an improbable 403-run target.
Earlier in the day, Shubman Gill (154) and Ishan Kishan (125) slammed blistering centuries to help India post a massive total after being asked to bat first. On the back of this convincing win, the hosts took an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.
Arshdeep Singh (Source: BCCI)
Former Bengal captain Manoj Tiwary lauded Arshdeep Singh after the left-arm pacer bagged a three-for in the second ODI against Afghanistan at the BRSABV Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow on Wednesday, June 17.
Arshdeep wasn't at his best during the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026. In 14 matches, he picked up as many wickets at an average of 38.64 and conceded runs at an economy rate of 10.21. While these numbers aren't too impressive, the left-arm spinner has returned to his best after putting on the India jersey, picking up five wickets in the first two ODIs against Afghanistan.
Tiwary said that IPL is "just entertainment cricket" and that the setup is designed so batters will dominate bowlers. He also pointed out that Arshdeep looks to have regained his rhythm, something that he lacked during the IPL. The Punjab pacer also started vlogging actively, posting videos on social media and sometimes landing in controversy. However, he hasn't been doing that during the ongoing series, and Tiwary feels that having no distractions is helping the 27-year-old.
"IPL is just entertainment cricket, to be honest with you. The format is T20, but it is just full-on entertainment, where things are set up for batters and bowlers only get hit. So you cannot compare and judge performances from there. As soon as he switches to India jersey from IPL, he's a different player. We have seen that in T20Is, he has a better numbers of striking in the first over than Jasprit Bumrah," Manoj Tiwary said on Cricbuzz.
"His rhythm has come back now. He has stopped doing some things that he was doing in the IPL. He used to do all of that in the IPL, he has stopped now, we don't see much of him on social media. When you move away from distractions and focus on things that matter, then the consistency in performances is there. It is good to see him leading the attack and pick wickets for his country," he added.
Arshdeep finished with figures of 3/45 in nine overs on Wednesday. Gurnoor Brar and Prince Yadav took three and two wickets, respectively, as Afghanistan were bowled out for 232 in 44.3 overs. They lost by 170 runs, chasing down an improbable 403-run target.
Earlier in the day, Shubman Gill (154) and Ishan Kishan (125) slammed blistering centuries to help India post a massive total after being asked to bat first. On the back of this convincing win, the hosts took an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.