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“I am playing all the domestic tournaments, be it red-ball or white-ball. I don’t miss any game,” he said

Ashish Pant07-Nov-20242:45

Suryakumar on captaincy: ‘I’ve learnt a lot from Rohit’

India T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav has not given up hopes of adding to his lone Test cap, insisting that he is trying to play as much domestic cricket as possible in a bid to make a comeback into the Test side.Suryakumar played his first and only Test against Australia in early 2023, and while his T20I credentials have grown, a Test call-up has remained elusive. The 34-year-old is trying to rectify that. He played a Ranji Trophy game for Mumbai last month and had turned out for India B in a Duleep Trophy fixture in September, though without much success.”When the time comes, I will make a Test comeback,” Suryakumar said ahead of India’s first T20I against South Africa in Durban. “I am playing all the domestic tournaments, be it red-ball or white-ball. I don’t miss any game. If that [Test comeback] has to happen, it will happen.”Related

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Suryakumar also threw his weight behind the Test and ODI captain Rohit Sharma, who has been under fire after India were whitewashed 3-0 for the first time in a Test series at home by New Zealand.”In sports, winning and losing are common. Everyone works hard, everyone wants to win,” he said. “For me, the most important thing in life is the balance. Whether he’s [Rohit] doing well or not, his character does not change. That is one quality which I feel a sportsman should always have.”It is still early days for Suryakumar the T20I captain who took over full-time after Rohit’s retirement from the format post India’s T20 World Cup win in June. Having played under Rohit for India and in the IPL for Mumbai Indians, Suryakumar said that he has “learned a lot” from him, particularly the way he handles the youngsters, a trait he’s trying to imbibe into his captaincy style.Of late, India have been trying plenty of fresh faces in T20Is•BCCI”I know how he [Rohit] treats the players, what he wants from them. So that route I have also taken because he’s been very successful recently,” Suryakumar said. “When I am on the ground, I keep noticing how his body language is, how calm he is under pressure situations, how he talks to the bowlers, how he treats everyone on the field and off the field.”Most importantly, from a leader you expect how much time he is spending with you to have that comfort. I try to replicate that. When I am not on the ground, I try and spend time with my team-mates, have a meal with them, travel together.”These are the small things which reflect on the ground. If you want to earn your team-mate’s respect and if you want him to deliver on the ground, all these things are very important. I add a bit of my own spice, and we are going forward.”While the sample size is small, India have achieved terrific results under Suryakumar, having won 11 out of 13 T20Is, which includes series sweeps against Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. Suryakumar also has the experience of leading in South Africa, having captained the Indian side last year in a three-match T20I series which ended 1-1 with the game in Durban washed out.Suryakumar said that his captaincy style is completely different to his aggressive batting style, and that he tries to give his players plenty of “freedom and clarity”.”You have to understand what’s happening around, what’s going on in their [the players’] minds and it is very important to give them that comfort,” he said. “Everyone has different skillset, and they also want to come out and express themselves. So that freedom is very important when they get onto the field and that is what I try and give.

“From a leader you expect how much time he is spending with you to have that comfort. I try to replicate that”Suryakumar Yadav on learning captaincy traits from Rohit Sharma

“Whatever is running in their mind, I listen to them carefully. Off the field, I try and spend a lot of time with them to understand their strengths, who can deliver for me in a pressure and current situation, and that’s how I am on the field.”See this format is such that if you keep playing, you keep learning and it’s so fast on the field. By the time you blink your eye, the game is over. So that freedom and clarity is very important when you play this format on the field.”‘The youngsters have made my job very easy’India have opted for a young T20I squad for the three-match series against South Africa, with three uncapped players in the mix: Vijaykumar Vyshak, Ramandeep Singh and Yash Dayal. Even among the capped ones, there are a few who either don’t have a lot of international experience or are making a comeback after a while such as Tilak Varma.Suryakumar said that managing the youngsters hasn’t been difficult as they have been doing the job for their state teams and IPL franchises.”They have made my job very easy if you’ve seen the last two to three series,” Suryakumar said about the youngsters. “I have told them to keep the needs of the team in front, and whatever calls they take, we are here to back them.”Everyone knows what they have to do. The kind of cricket they play for their state, the franchise, the same they have to play here. Just the colour of the jersey changes and the emotions get heightened. But the kind of cricket they have been playing, they should just play the same way. It feels refreshing to see them play.”Suryakumar also quashed any theories that India would struggle on the bouncy South Africa pitches, insisting they play on such surfaces at home as well. India have an excellent T20I record in South Africa, with six wins and three losses in nine matches.”We do play on good bouncy pitches back home in India also. There are quite a few, so it’s nothing new for us,” he said. “And we played here last year. We know what the conditions are and what the ground and wicket have for us. We have our game plan, we’ll back that and are very excited for the series ahead.”

Chelsea are now showing clear interest in signing a 20-goal South American striker this summer, and negotiations could intensify in the coming weeks, according to a report.

Jackson dismissed as Blues falter in top five push

Nicolas Jackson impressed in the early stages of the Premier League campaign, which means the 23-year-old has reached the 10-goal mark, but his performance in the important clash against Newcastle United on Sunday underlined the need to bring in a new striker.

In a game that could have huge ramifications on whether the Blues qualify for the Champions League, Jackson was sent off for an elbow on Sven Botman, leaving Enzo Maresca unhappy.

Speaking after the 2-0 defeat at St. James’ Park, Maresca said: “His season for us is finished. He is our nine, our striker, so we have to find a solution for the next games. Marc Guiu is our other striker, but he has been injured for three months.

“What you have to avoid is these kind of things, but it happened. Nico is now out for the season and hopefully he can learn for the future.”

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Jackson’s recent performance is unlikely to do the Senegalese forward in any favours this summer, given that the west Londoners were already thinking about bringing in a new striker, and a report from Spain has named Alaves’ Joaquin Panichelli as a target.

Chelsea are showing clear interest in signing Panichelli, given his impressive performances on loan at La Liga 2 side Mirandes this season, and talks could accelerate in the coming weeks, as there is growing interest in his signature.

Fellow BlueCo-owned club Strasbourg are also following the forward, alongside Wolverhampton Wanderers, with his entourage of the belief that a move to one of Europe’s top clubs is imminent.

Chelsea’s upcoming fixtures

Date

Manchester United (h)

May 16th

Nottingham Forest (a)

May 25th

Real Betis (n)

May 28th

Panichelli catching the eye in Spain

The Argentine enjoyed a very impressive 2024-25 campaign on loan at Mirandes, picking up 20 league goals, the second-highest number in the division, while also providing two assists.

Of course, it must be noted that the South American is unproven in a major league, with his recent exploits coming in the second tier of Spanish football, but his performances last season indicate he could be able to make the step-up to the Premier League soon.

As such, Panichelli could be an interesting signing for the Blues, but they must make sure to bring in a more proven striker alongside the 22-year-old, and they should be in a strong position to attract a top-level forward if they finish in the top five.

There is no shortage of options for Chelsea, with Arsenal now concerned their London rivals will hijack their move for Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres, while Maresca’s side are also ready to bid for RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko.

Leeds United are now leading the race for an “amazing” £15m forward, who would be keen on a move to Elland Road this summer, according to a report.

Leeds step up transfer plans after sealing promotion

There may have been some worrying signs in March, but having won their last four Championship games on the spin, Leeds have now achieved their goal of promotion to the Premier League with two games left to play.

Now there is certainty about which league they will be playing in next season, the Whites can now make solid plans for the summer transfer window, and they may have to strengthen in multiple areas to avoid relegation from the top flight.

Despite achieving promotion, goalkeeper has been a problem position this season, with Illan Meslier making a number of costly mistakes, and Daniel Farke’s side are now considering a move for Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Sam Johnstone as a potential replacement.

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There have also been suggestions Farke could look to strengthen in the engine room, with an offer being prepared for Sporting CP midfielder Hidemasa Morita, while Kalvin Phillips would also be open to a return to Elland Road.

While new signings will undoubtedly be brought in, there may also be a desire to keep hold of some players who have played a key role in promotion this season, and a report from GiveMeSport has now revealed Manor Solomon would now be keen on a permanent move.

With the Whites’ Premier League status now confirmed, Solomon could leave Tottenham Hotspur in favour of a permanent switch to Elland Road, should Leeds be willing to put a £15m offer on the table, with previous reports saying talks have been ongoing.

Everton and Southampton are also in the race for the Israeli, and there is interest from abroad, but Farke’s side are in pole position to secure his signature.

"Amazing" Solomon needs to be signed permanently

The 25-year-old has played a vital role for Leeds in their promotion charge this season, picking up nine goals and 11 assists in 37 Championship games, with six of those coming in his last four appearances.

Not only that, but the Israel international has impressed on a number of key attacking metrics over the past year, when compared to his positional peers playing at a similar level.

Statistic

Average per 90

Assists

0.41 (95th percentile)

Successful take-ons

2.35 (89th percentile)

Progressive carries

4.89 (92nd percentile)

The left-winger’s performances this season indicate he is definitely worth a £15m outlay this summer, and he has experience in the Premier League, being lauded as “amazing” by members of the media back in 2023.

As such, there are clear signs Solomon could be capable of making the step-up next season, and Leeds should undoubtedly look to snap him up this summer.

Glenn Maxwell played some of the most spectacular ODI innings in the last decade or so, none more than the cramping, limping double-century against Afghanistan at the 2023 World Cup

Andrew McGlashan02-Jun-2025

56* vs Pakistan, Sharjah, 2012

An early indication of what Maxwell could offer, he guided Australia to victory in just his fourth ODI with 56 not out off 38 balls. They were 159 for 5 in the 36th over needing 256 when Maxwell joined the experience of Mike Hussey. The duo took the chase most of the way and then Maxwell sealed the game with his third six. “To hit the ball like that on a pitch where the ball was dying was something,” Hussey said.

60 vs India, Bengaluru, 2013

This innings came in defeat, but it was a glimpse into how Maxwell could change the momentum of a game. He entered at 74 for 4 with Australia chasing a huge 384, struck his first ball for six, and collected six more on his way to an 18-ball fifty, equalling the Australia men’s record, before falling to Vinay Kumar after just 22 balls. It left him with a series tally of 248 runs at a strike rate of 152.14.Related

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2 for 41 vs Pakistan, Abu Dhabi, 2014

Maxwell made 20 off 22 balls and the bowling figures don’t leap off the page, but somehow he managed to produce a double-wicket maiden to defend just two off the final over. Sohail Tanvir swung at and missed the second delivery, and then Mohammad Irfan played three dot balls before carving a catch to cover off the final delivery. “Wasn’t going too well until the last over,” Maxwell said.

95 and 4 for 46 vs England, Perth, 2015

In the final of a tri-series which acted as a World Cup warm-up, Maxwell produced a dominant all-round display. His 95 was central to Australia recovering from 60 for 4. “Maxwell went from sensible to sensational,” ESPNcricinfo’s match report said. He followed that up by running through England’s middle and lower order with four wickets. It was just the sixth occasion of an Australian scoring a fifty and taking four wickets in an ODI and there hasn’t been one in the men’s game since.His heroics with the bat often overshadowed his bowling, but Glenn Maxwell often chipped in with key wickets•Getty Images

102 vs Sri Lanka, SCG, 2015

Maxwell’s maiden international century was a barnstorming display as he monstered a 53-ball 102 to ensure Australia’s home World Cup continued towards the knockouts. Maxwell had a solid base to build on when he arrived at 175 for 3 in the 32nd over and he took full advantage. He dominated a stand of 160 with Shane Watson, reaching his hundred from 51 deliveries which at the time was a record for Australia’s men.

70 and 1 for 45 vs Pakistan, Dubai, 2019

This was a matchwinning all-round performance from Maxwell. He took advantage of the work done by the top order, then being given a life first ball, to flay 70 off 33 deliveries to ensure Australia passed 300. They needed most of them, too, as Haris Sohail struck a century in reply but Maxwell also had a vital part to play with the ball as he took 1 for 45 off his ten overs.

108 vs England, Old Trafford, 2020

In an empty ground during the depths of Covid, this innings wasn’t cheered on by thousands in the stands, but it was worthy of great acclaim as Maxwell slotted into the finisher’s role at No. 7 that would be a large part of the latter stages of his ODI career. The series against England marked his first ODIs since the 2019 World Cup, having missed the previous home season while taking a mental health break. Australia were long-odds for victory when Maxwell entered at 73 for 5 chasing 303 but forged a magnificent stand of 212 with Alex Carey. His own century came from 84 balls and included more sixes (seven) than fours (four). It enabled Australia to clinch the series 2-1.Glenn Maxwell was among the people who changed the grammar of white-ball batting•AFP/Getty Images

80* vs Sri Lanka, Colombo, 2022

It had been 18 months since Maxwell’s previous ODI and he produced a superb innings to ice a demanding chase in conditions where Sri Lanka’s spinners had threatened to turn the game. When he was joined by No. 10 Jhye Richardson, Australia still needed 28 off 26 balls and he farmed the strike and got the job done with consecutive sixes. Although separated by considerable time, the innings capped an impressive run for Maxwell where he passed fifty in five out of seven innings

106 vs Netherlands, Delhi, 2023

It wasn’t the strongest attack Maxwell had ever faced, but it was a ferocious display of strokeplay as he raced to a 40-ball century, setting a new record for the fastest hundred at a men’s ODI World Cup and breaking his own landmark for the fastest for Australia’s men. “I’m very aware of balls faced,” Maxwell said. “I love the fastest 50, fastest 100 records. I think they’re pretty cool records. Sometimes to the detriment of myself, I’ve always probably pushed the boundaries a bit too much.”

201* vs Afghanistan, Mumbai, 2023

The innings that cemented Maxwell’s legacy. Battling oppressive conditions that left him cramping so badly he could barely move, so much so that next batter in Adam Zampa was ready to replace him, Maxwell turned what appeared an impossible chase into a stunning victory. Australia were 91 for 7 (Maxwell himself had walked in on a hat-trick) when he was joined by captain Pat Cummins and produced something extraordinary. The pair added 202 for the eighth wicket of which Cummins contributed 12 while Maxwell launched ten sixes. With 21 needed off the final four overs for Australia’s win and Maxwell’s double-hundred, he went 6, 6, 4, 6 against Mujeeb Ur Rahman, who had earlier dropped him on 33. “It’s got to be the greatest ODI innings that’s ever happened,” Cummins said in the aftermath.

They seem to complement each other well, guiding the team through the middle overs to facilitate a late onslaught

Madushka Balasuriya20-Jun-2023Sri Lanka’s opening game of the World Cup Qualifier was pretty much as textbook an execution of their game plan as head coach Chris Silverwood could have hoped for.The top order set a platform, the middle order kept things ticking, the set batters then began the acceleration in that brief period between the 30th and 40th over, before the launch was executed consummately at the death. The bowlers, led by Wanindu Hasaranga, then proved just too good for some admittedly spirited UAE batters.Now, as to whether Sri Lanka can put together such performances consistently remains a pertinent question for another day, but what we did learn from this resounding victory was that this is most definitely a side making rapid progress.Related

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Sure there are still problems to be addressed, a seam-bowling unit that needs to be wrapped in cotton wool and an opening pair that consume dot balls like they’re hard-boiled eggs, are two very pertinent ones. But, whisper it quietly, despite all their recent chaos, in Kusal Mendis and Sadeera Samarawickrama, Sri Lanka may finally be coming close to resolving their longstanding middle-order woes – ironic since both batters are arguably better served at the top of the order.While a majority of their interactions in the middle have been for the Sri Lankan Under-19 side – they’ve played just six ODIs alongside each, of which three have come in the past month – it seems that they have nevertheless found in each other kindred spirits.For all of Mendis’ brashness and tendency to throw away promising platforms, Samarawickrama seems well equipped at ushering his former Under-19 captain through the middle overs and into the point in the game in which most damage can be done.While this strategy has admittedly fallen short in the two games this year that both have partnered up – Mendis falling for 78 against both Afghanistan and UAE – both games have nevertheless seen the pair combine to guide Sri Lanka through the middle overs and catalyse a late-overs onslaught.In the second ODI against Afghanistan earlier this month, they put on an 88-run stand at a little over a run-a-ball having joined up in the 23rd over – a partnership in which the highlight was a purposeful upping of the scoring rate from overs 30-35. A carbon copy of this blueprint was put into effect against the UAE, with the pair coming together in the 27th over and putting together a 105-run partnership off just 79 deliveries. It’s no coincidence that in both matches Sri Lanka have managed to surpass the 300-mark, a feat they’ve otherwise rarely accomplished over the past five years.But where Sri Lanka are truly fortunate, is that these two players seem to be linking up at just the right times in their respective careers.Sri Lanka are now reaping the rewards for keeping their faith in Kusal Mendis, even when he showed a downturn in form•AFP/Getty ImagesIt’s a fascinating microcosm of the chaotic progression structure of Sri Lanka’s cricketing setup, that despite both Mendis and Samarawickrama having come through the same Under-19 batch, they’ve had such diverging paths to the national side.Mendis, of course, was the older and more highly regarded of the two, having been captain of the Under-19 side and known for his brazen stroke play. He made his Test debut in 2015 aged just 20, and by the end of his sophomore year had notched a match winning 176 against Australia, as well as a handful of ODI fifties.As for Samarawickrama, his route to the national side was more winding. He scored a fluent 38 on Test debut against Pakistan in 2017, but following a chastening tour of India later that year was left out of the Test side for six years. He wouldn’t return until earlier this year against Ireland, when he registered a maiden Test ton. Meanwhile in ODIs and T20Is his inclusion was sporadic, never truly grabbing his chance but also never really being given a run of games to find his footing – another victim of a particularly dire period in Sri Lankan cricket, in which selection was at its most volatile.During this period, only a handful of players remained mainstays, one of whom was Mendis. While this spell coincided with a prolonged period of inconsistency, the selectors still kept their faith in a man seen as one of the stars of the future. That faith is now being handsomely repaid but it wasn’t without its trials. Coming through in an age in which social media was gaining increasing prevalence, Mendis’ downturn in form made him a prime target for the ire of disgruntled fans, which in turn impacted his performances further. He struggled off the field too, suspended for his role in breaking Covid protocols alongside Niroshan Dickwella and Danushka Gunathilaka.But upon his return from suspension, a more focused version of Mendis emerged. Last year saw him rack up 388 runs in ODIs at an average of 48.50, his best non-Covid impact in the calendar year since 2016, which was when he made his debut. In T20Is too he found another gear, consistently setting the tone at the top of the order, and playing an integral role in Sri Lanka’s Asia Cup triumph.Samarawickrama, in the meantime, was grinding the domestic circuit, patiently waiting for his opportunity – which given past evidence, something there was no guarantee would come. But it was his performances in last year’s Lanka Premier League, which arguably turned the tide in his favour. Scoring 294 runs at an average of 58.8 and a strike rate of 131.25 for champions Jaffna Kings, Samarawickrama was named Player of the Series, but more importantly his versatility across the batting order proved invaluable.Sadeera Samarawickrama’s temperament has been his best quality•ICC/Getty ImagesThis earned him a recall to the limited-overs and eventually Test squads, but even then it was only following a failed flirtation with Angelo Mathews that Samarawickrama eventually got his break in the playing XI. This time though he took his chance.If the Samarawickrama that was first called up all those years ago was an impetuous top-order batter prone to lapses in concentration, now his temperament is arguably his best quality.Against the UAE, he racked up 21 singles, but once it was time to pick up the pace, he had the ability and wherewithal to shift gears as needed. Having scored just two boundaries across his first 39 deliveries, he would score seven more across the next 25 balls faced – motoring from 31 off 39 to his eventual score of 73 off 64.”I was planning to go for a big one, but from a team point of view, I had to go for runs at that point,” Samarawickrama would state after the game. “I knew that there were power hitters to come after me, so I was just looking at scoring two boundaries an over at that stage.”What must be pointed out here is also the knock on effect on Mendis, someone who has in the past shown a propensity to get bogged down, unable to rotate the strike, and then lose his wicket trying to break free. With Samarawickrama by his side, he’s running more – against the UAE he ran 27 singles – and conversely feeling less pressure to search for the boundary.The next step is in getting Mendis to be around at the death, something that is likely a large part of Sri Lanka’s game plan if their World Cup campaign is to be any kind of success. Fortunately for them, in Samarawickrama they might just have found the ideal foil to help get him there more often than not.

Cancelled tours, late change of coaching staff and inclusion of old-timers have all lent a familiar touch of chaos and confusion

Danyal Rasool20-Oct-2021Big pictureThere’s a new chairman at the helm, the chief executive officer just resigned, as have the head coach and bowling coach. Of the 12 T20Is Pakistan scheduled against West Indies, New Zealand and England as warm-ups ahead of the T20 World Cup, they managed to play just one. Inclement weather put paid to much of the T20 series in the Caribbean, a security threat scuppered New Zealand’s tour, and a chaotic, much-criticised ECB decision to back out of visiting Pakistan saw that series go up in smoke.That sort of chaos isn’t ideal preparation for a World Cup, but Pakistan’s preparation for handling chaos is second to none. Their only T20 World Cup title, remember, came three months after a terror attack on the Sri Lankan cricket team that would end up depriving them of hosting any international cricket for the best part of the next decade. Things aren’t quite as bleak as that right now, but for a side that was ranked number one for much of this World Cup cycle, the path to silverware looks minefield-ridden right now.A few late changes have seen Pakistan opt for the conservative comfort blanket of experience, with Sarfaraz Ahmed, Shoaib Malik and Mohammad Hafeez all part of the travelling squad. They do boast arguably the fastest bowling contingent of the tournament with Haris Rauf, Shaheen Afridi and Hasan Ali amongst their ranks, alongside a handful of useful – if not legitimately world-class – spin options.Ultimately, though, Pakistan’s success might depend heavily on the nature of the pitches in the UAE. On slow, low pitches a side that opens with Mohammad Rizwan and Babar Azam might theoretically be ideally equipped to chase par totals, the pair’s consistency unmatched for opening pairs across all sides. Pitted against India, New Zealand and Afghanistan in what looks on paper like the more challenging group, even progression through to the semi-finals would be something of an achievement.Misbah-ul-Haq’s resignation as head coach came soon after their squad was announced•Getty ImagesRecent formThere isn’t too much of it thanks to those aforementioned cancellations. But what T20 cricket they have played has tended to produce results without being particularly eye-catching. West Indies were defeated in the one game that was completed, while a depleted South African side was beaten home and away this year. A 2-1 series win against Zimbabwe was perhaps the low point; Pakistan were bowled out for 99 chasing 119. It was followed by a 2-1 series defeat in England, where Pakistan see-sawed between sensational and distinctly mediocre.BattingIt has tended to be top-heavy, though not always for the worse. Rizwan’s record-breaking form stands out, and either he or Babar have gone on to build a substantial innings in almost every T20I Pakistan have played. Worryingly, though, what has followed them hasn’t been quite as impressive, with Pakistan trying a slew of power-hitters in the middle and death overs without any inspiring enough confidence to be considered nailed-on starters. Further evidence of that came in last-minute changes to the squad that saw Malik and Sarfaraz drafted in – though the more attacking Haider Ali was called up, too. But the general thrust of those changes towards cautious conservative conservatism does throw up questions about how committed Pakistan really are to modern, progressive T20 cricket.BattingWhile Pakistan’s pace bowling attack of Afridi, Hasan and Rauf is fearsome, whether the surfaces in the UAE will be conducive to high pace remains an open question. Mohammad Wasim could be something of a trump card, and was particularly impressive at the death in the UAE at the PSL. The pacers will likely need to rely on their variations, while also needing assistance from Pakistan’s litany of spin bowling options.In this department, they are exceptionally well served when it comes to quantity. Imad Wasim – who will likely open the bowling most games – is joined by Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Hafeez and even Malik. What they possess in quantity, though, is perhaps counterbalanced by the absence of true quality. Shadab is – for now, anyway – nowhere near the bowler he was three years ago, while too many of the other options are makeshift, part-time bowlers. The absence of a genuine star in this department means Pakistan may need to rely on one of these to really step up their game over the next month.Haider Ali has an explosive game. Can he make a mark?•AFP/Getty ImagesPlayer to watch In a batting line-up deprived of the potential power-hitting of Azam Khan and Sohaib Maqsood, this would be an opportune time for Haider Ali to showcase the form that got him to this level. A delightfully sweet timer of the ball, his easy power belies his relatively slight frame. He was electric at last year’s PSL, and while the international stage didn’t work out for him initially, dropping down a level has brought solid results. He was the fifth highest scorer at the recently concluded National T20 Cup for Northern, averaging 63.40 at a strike rate of 146.75, and looking very much back to his best.Key questionDoes the fact that the T20 World Cup is in the UAE make Pakistan one of the favourites? For Pakistan fans to see the tournament played in a country where they’ve won the last 11 games and not begin to get carried away is a tall order. But reality must kick in at some point, so it’s also worth acknowledging Pakistan have changed head coaches twice since those heady days, and a lot of players aren’t quite at their career peaks in the way they were from 2016-18.Surfaces too will have a huge say on Pakistan’s fortunes. They’ve tended to be slow and low so far in the IPL season that finished most recently. With Pakistan bereft of the monstrous power hitters that, say, England or the West Indies can boast, having that taken out of the equation should mean the anchoring role players like Babar and Rizwan excel at becoming pivotal.Lots of uncertainty, plenty of intrigue. Pakistan wouldn’t have it any other way.Likely XI1 Mohammad Rizwan (wk) 2 Babar Azam (cap) 3 Fakhar Zaman 4 Haider Ali 5 Mohammad Hafeez 6 Mohammad Nawaz/Asif Ali 7 Shadab Khan 8 Hasan Ali 9 Imad Wasim 10 Mohammad Wasim/Haris Rauf 11 Shaheen Afridi

At the end of Sunday’s action, Melbourne Renegades have climbed to second place behind Hobart Hurricanes, while Perth Scorchers have risen to fourth place

AAP16-Nov-2025Tess Flintoff’s clutch, late hitting cut the tension as Melbourne Renegades toppled Melbourne Stars in the WBBL’s derby on Sunday at Junction Oval.Chasing 142 for victory, Flintoff (17 in nine balls) held her nerve with a six, four and four off Annabel Sutherland’s penultimate over to clinch the win with four wickets and seven balls to spare.Stars had given themselves every chance with some tight bowling after Courtney Webb (37) and Sophie Molineux (32) had put the defending champions on track.Needing a-run-a-ball in the final four overs, both Deandra Dottin and Georgia Wareham holed out to heap the pressure on the lower order. But, needing 12 off ten balls, Flintoff was up to the task against her former club.First she split two leg-side fielders with a swipe that hit the rope before hammering a back-foot drive over cover to level the scores. Victory came courtesy of a sweetly-timed drive over mid-off to put Renegades (3-1) into second behind the unbeaten Hobart Hurricanes (3-0).Earlier, Meg Lanning (3) recorded a rare failure, leaving Sutherland (29) and Marizanne Kapp (22) to pilot Stars’ innings before Kim Garth’s (29 off 19) late hitting. Dottin, with 3 for 20 in three overs, took the last three wickets and was later named the Player of the Match.Devine three-for takes Scorchers past Strikers in rain-hit gameSophie Devine’s intervention took Adelaide Strikers apart before the heavens opened up to hand Perth Scorchers a dominant WBBL win in Melbourne on Sunday.

"The ball of the WBBL!"

What a SEED from Sophie Devine. #WBBL11 pic.twitter.com/tl1S5Mn8Hv

— Weber Women's Big Bash League (@WBBL) November 15, 2025