AUS vs BAN Day 1: Mahmud's 6-for Stuns Australia

Official Day 1 highlights

Test cricket returned to Darwin's Marrara Stadium for the first time in over two decades, and Bangladesh made sure the occasion was one to remember. Pat Cummins won the toss and chose to bat, but his side never recovered from the decision — Hasan Mahmud produced a career-best 6 for 55 as Australia were bowled out for just 198, before Bangladesh's openers steadied the reply to leave the tourists firmly on top at stumps.

Day 1 quick facts

• Venue: Marrara Stadium, Darwin — hosting Test cricket for the first time in more than 20 years
• Toss: Australia won and chose to bat
• Australia 1st innings: 198 all out
• Top scorer: Steven Smith (71 off 109 balls)
• Best bowler: Hasan Mahmud (6/55, a career-best)
• Bangladesh close of play: 96/1, trailing by 102 runs
• Not out at stumps: Mominul Haque (35*), Tanzid Hasan (32*)

How the day unfolded

Bangladesh's pace trio made the most of early moisture in the pitch, with Hasan Mahmud, Ebadot Hossain and Taskin Ahmed giving Australia's top order no room to settle. Steven Smith was the only real resistance, battling to 71 off 109 balls with seven fours and a six before Mahmud had him caught off a slog. From there the innings unravelled quickly — Mahmud picked up Nathan Lyon soon after to complete his six-wicket haul, with Taskin and Ebadot chipping in with two wickets apiece. It marked only the second time fast bowlers have taken all ten wickets in a Test innings for Bangladesh.

In reply, Mitchell Starc looked the closest Australia's attack came to causing trouble, but Bangladesh's openers weathered it comfortably. Mominul Haque and Tanzid Hasan put on an unbroken 60-run stand to close the day on 96 for 1, leaving Bangladesh trailing by just 102 with nine wickets in hand and the bulk of their batting still to come.

Why this result matters

This is a genuinely remarkable turnaround for a Bangladesh side that lost by an innings to a Cricket Australia XI in the warm-up just a week earlier. It's also Bangladesh's first Test on Australian soil in 23 years, adding extra significance to a day that's already gone their way on the field. For Australia, a middling batting effort on a fresh, seam-friendly Darwin surface raises early questions about their approach heading into the rest of the match.

Frequently asked questions

What was Australia's score in the first innings?
Australia were bowled out for 198.

Who was the standout bowler on Day 1?
Hasan Mahmud, with a career-best 6 for 55.

What was Bangladesh's score at stumps on Day 1?
96 for 1, trailing Australia's total by 102 runs.

Why is this Test significant beyond the result?
It's the first Test match played at Darwin's Marrara Stadium in more than two decades, and Bangladesh's first Test in Australia in 23 years.

Asian Games 2026 Hockey Draw: India in Pool A

India will begin their title defence in the men's hockey tournament at the Asian Games 2026 from Pool A after the official draw placed them alongside hosts Japan, Korea, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Indonesia.

The hockey competition at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games will be played at the Gifu Prefectural Green Stadium in Kakamigahara, Japan. The men's tournament is scheduled from September 20 to October 3, 2026, with 12 teams divided into two pools of six.

Asian Games 2026 men's hockey draw

India have been placed in Pool A along with five other teams. The pools were drawn based on the FIH world rankings as of May 1, 2026.

Pool A	Pool B
India	Pakistan
Japan	Malaysia
Republic of Korea	China
Bangladesh	Oman
Sri Lanka	Uzbekistan
Indonesia	Thailand

The men's competition features 12 teams, with six sides in each pool. India will face every team in Pool A during the pool stage.

India's Asian Games 2026 hockey schedule

India's opening match is against Indonesia on September 20. The defending champions will then face Sri Lanka, Korea, Japan and Bangladesh as they complete their Pool A campaign.

Date	Match	Time (IST)
September 20, 2026	India vs Indonesia	4:30 PM
September 22, 2026	India vs Sri Lanka	8:30 PM
September 24, 2026	Korea vs India	4:30 PM
September 26, 2026	Japan vs India	6:30 PM
September 28, 2026	India vs Bangladesh	To be confirmed

India enter as defending Asian Games champions

India will enter the tournament as the defending men's hockey champions. They won the gold medal at the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou and will now attempt to retain the title in Japan.

The 2026 tournament carries additional importance because the hockey gold medallists will earn qualification for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.

India's men's team will be captained by Harmanpreet Singh. Hockey India announced a 20-member squad for the Asian Games, combining experienced players with younger members of the national setup.

India's 2026 Asian Games hockey squad

Goalkeepers: Mohith HS, Suraj Karkera

Defenders: Jarmanpreet Singh, Harmanpreet Singh (c), Amit Rohidas, Jugraj Singh, Sanjay, Sumit, Yashdeep Siwach

Midfielders: Rajinder Singh, Raj Kumar Pal, Hardik Singh, Manpreet Singh, Nilakanta Sharma, Vivek Sagar Prasad

Forwards: Dilpreet Singh, Shilanand Lakra, Sukhjeet Singh, Mandeep Singh, Abhishek

Who are India's main Pool A opponents?

Japan

Japan will have home advantage and will be one of the teams India need to watch closely during the pool stage. The two sides are scheduled to meet on September 26.

South Korea

Korea are another established Asian hockey side and will provide India with a strong test. India and Korea are scheduled to meet on September 24.

Bangladesh

Bangladesh are also in Pool A and will face India in the final scheduled pool-stage match on September 28.

Sri Lanka

India's second match of the tournament will be against Sri Lanka on September 22. The match is scheduled for 8:30 PM IST.

Indonesia

Indonesia will provide India's opening challenge. India and Indonesia are scheduled to meet on September 20 at 4:30 PM IST.

Where will Asian Games 2026 hockey be played?

All men's hockey matches at the Asian Games 2026 are scheduled to be played at the Gifu Prefectural Green Stadium in Kakamigahara, Japan.

The women's hockey competition will also be held at the same venue, with the women's tournament scheduled from September 18 to October 2.

Asian Games 2026 hockey format

The men's hockey tournament features 12 teams divided into two pools of six. The teams will compete during the pool stage before the knockout phase determines the medal winners.

India's immediate objective will be to finish strongly in Pool A and progress to the knockout stages. The competition will also be closely followed because the eventual men's hockey champion will secure an Olympic qualification place for Los Angeles 2028.

India's road to another Asian Games hockey gold

India have a difficult but familiar group, with Japan and Korea providing the biggest tests on paper while Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Indonesia complete Pool A.

With Harmanpreet Singh leading a squad that includes experienced internationals such as Manpreet Singh, Amit Rohidas, Hardik Singh and Mandeep Singh, India will start among the teams expected to challenge for the gold medal.

The key match in the pool could be India's meeting with Japan on September 26, particularly with the hosts playing in familiar conditions. The Korea match two days earlier will also be an important test of India's campaign.

Frequently asked questions

When does India play hockey at the Asian Games 2026?
India's men's hockey campaign begins on September 20, 2026, against Indonesia.

Which pool is India in at Asian Games 2026 hockey?
India are in Pool A with Japan, Korea, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Indonesia.

Who is India's hockey captain for Asian Games 2026?
Harmanpreet Singh is the captain of India's 20-member men's hockey squad.

Where will Asian Games 2026 hockey be played?
The hockey tournament is scheduled to be played at Gifu Prefectural Green Stadium in Kakamigahara, Japan.

When is India vs Japan hockey at the Asian Games 2026?
India are scheduled to play Japan on September 26, 2026, at 6:30 PM IST.

Is Asian Games 2026 hockey important for the Olympics?
Yes. The men's hockey gold medallist at the Asian Games will secure qualification for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.

---

Competition: Asian Games 2026
Sport: Men's Hockey
Host: Aichi-Nagoya, Japan
Venue: Gifu Prefectural Green Stadium, Kakamigahara
India: Defending champions
India captain: Harmanpreet Singh

Free Entry for Fans: India vs Sri Lanka Test Series

Sri Lanka Cricket has thrown open the gates — literally — for the upcoming two-match Test series against India, announcing free public admission at both venues. It's a move aimed squarely at boosting crowd numbers for the longest format of the game, which has struggled for attendance in Sri Lanka in recent years even for marquee visitors like India.

What's been announced

Sri Lanka Cricket confirmed that spectators will be able to watch both Tests without buying a ticket, though the free access applies to designated sections and gates rather than the entire stadium. The board framed it as an invitation to a broad cross-section of fans — students, families, and casual supporters — who might otherwise skip a five-day match in favour of shorter formats.

Free entry gate details

Venue	Match	Dates	Free entry gates
Galle International Cricket Stadium	1st Test	August 15–19, 2026	Gate No. 4
Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC), Colombo	2nd Test	August 23–27, 2026	Gates 3, 4, 5 and 7

The free sections mainly cover the grass embankments at both grounds, giving fans who might not usually pay for a Test ticket a genuine chance to watch international cricket up close, at no cost.

Why Sri Lanka Cricket made this call

Test match crowds in Sri Lanka have been thin for a while now, a pattern seen across much of the cricketing world as shorter formats pull fan attention away from the five-day game. By removing the cost barrier, the board is betting that a fuller, more energetic stadium — especially for a high-profile series against India — helps both the players and the broadcast product, while also nurturing interest among younger fans and first-time spectators who might get hooked on Test cricket as a result.

Series context: what's at stake

Both Tests count towards the ICC World Test Championship 2025–27 cycle, so there's plenty on the line beyond just the result. India go into the series with recent momentum after a strong warm-up win, while Sri Lanka will be looking to bounce back after a heavy defeat to the West Indies in their last Test outing.

History leans heavily India's way at these venues — the last time these two sides met in a Test series on Sri Lankan soil, India completed a 3-0 whitewash under Virat Kohli's captaincy, winning in Galle before taking the next two matches by an innings each in Colombo and Pallekele. India have also made a late change to their support staff for this tour, with Subhadeep Ghosh coming in as fielding coach in place of T Dilip.

Frequently asked questions

Is entry really free for the India vs Sri Lanka Test series?
Yes, but only through specific designated gates and sections (mainly the grass embankments), not the entire stadium.

Which gates offer free entry at Galle?
Gate No. 4 at the Galle International Cricket Stadium.

Which gates offer free entry at the SSC in Colombo?
Gates 3, 4, 5 and 7.

When and where is the 2nd Test being played?
August 23–27, 2026, at the Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC) in Colombo.

Why did Sri Lanka Cricket make entry free?
To boost stadium attendance for Test cricket, which has seen declining crowds in Sri Lanka in recent years, and to widen access for students, families and first-time spectators.

IND vs SL 2026: Squad, Predicted XI & Pitch Report

India's two-match Test series against Sri Lanka gets underway on August 15 at the Galle International Stadium, and there's been a late twist to the squad heading in. Sai Sudharsan has been ruled out after a right toe stress reaction, with Sarfaraz Khan drafted in as his replacement. With World Test Championship points on the line and a genuine selection dilemma in the pace department, head coach Gautam Gambhir has plenty to sort out before the toss.

Squad update: Sudharsan out, Sarfaraz Khan in

Sudharsan has been recovering at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru and, while the medical team reports he's progressing well, he won't be fit in time for the series. The Men's Selection Committee has called up Sarfaraz Khan as cover, and he'll join the squad in Colombo before the team moves on to Galle for the series opener.

India's full squad for the Sri Lanka Test series

Shubman Gill (Captain), KL Rahul (Vice-Captain), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rishabh Pant (WK), Dhruv Jurel (WK), Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Manav Suthar, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Gurnoor Brar, Devdutt Padikkal, Saransh Jain, Auqib Nabi, Sarfaraz Khan

Predicted XI for the 1st Test at Galle

The good news for India is that Shubman Gill is back to full fitness after the finger injury that kept him out of the first two days of the warm-up match — he batted through the final day of that fixture without any issues, easing fears over his availability. With Galle expected to offer significant turn, India look set to lean heavily on spin, with as many as three specialist spinners in the frame alongside the seam options.

The one genuine toss-up is who partners Mohammed Siraj with the new ball. Prasidh Krishna offers experience at a time when Jasprit Bumrah and Washington Sundar are both unavailable, but Gurnoor Brar's extra pace and bounce troubled Sri Lanka's batters throughout the warm-up match, building a strong case for a debut on current form over reputation.

Likely India XI

1. Yashasvi Jaiswal
2. KL Rahul
3. Devdutt Padikkal
4. Shubman Gill (Captain)
5. Rishabh Pant / Dhruv Jurel (WK)
6. Ravindra Jadeja
7. Saransh Jain / Sarfaraz Khan
8. Manav Suthar
9. Mohammed Siraj
10. Prasidh Krishna / Gurnoor Brar
11. Kuldeep Yadav

The wicketkeeping slot is its own open question between Pant and Jurel, and there's a similar toss-up in the lower middle order between Saransh Jain's off-spin and Sarfaraz Khan's extra batting depth. Expect team management to make late calls on both once they've had a final look at the pitch.

Galle International Stadium: venue details

• Location: Galle, Sri Lanka, bordered by the Indian Ocean on two sides, next to the historic Galle Fort
• Ends: City End and Fort End
• Capacity: Approximately 30,000–35,000
• First Test hosted: June 1998
• Notable history: Badly damaged by the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, reopened after renovation in December 2007; the venue where Muttiah Muralitharan took his 800th and final Test wicket in 2010

Pitch report and conditions

Galle is one of the most reliably spin-friendly surfaces on the international circuit, and captains typically load up on slow bowlers accordingly — a big part of why India are expected to field as many as three specialist spinners. That said, the surface tends to offer runs early before wearing and turning more sharply as a match progresses, so first-innings runs matter a great deal here. Recent Tests at the venue (2023–2024) have produced first-innings totals averaging well over 400, underlining how much tougher batting gets in the second innings and beyond.

Key Galle Test stats

• Tests played at the venue: 46+
• Matches won batting first: 25
• Matches won batting second: 15
• Matches drawn: 6
• Highest team total: 704/3 declared — Sri Lanka vs Ireland, 2023
• Lowest team total: 73 — South Africa vs Sri Lanka, 2018
• Best bowling figures (match): 13/171 — Muttiah Muralitharan vs South Africa, 2000
• Average first-innings score: Around 369

The toss is historically a significant advantage at Galle — teams batting first have won more often than not, and chasing sides have needed to navigate a pitch that only gets harder to bat on as the match wears on.

Frequently asked questions

Why has Sai Sudharsan been ruled out of the Sri Lanka series?
He's recovering from a right toe stress reaction and, despite good progress, won't be fit in time for the series.

Who has replaced Sai Sudharsan in the squad?
Sarfaraz Khan has been named as his replacement and will join the squad in Colombo.

When does the 1st Test between India and Sri Lanka start?
August 15, 2026, at the Galle International Stadium.

Is Shubman Gill fit to play the 1st Test?
Yes, he's recovered from the finger injury that affected the start of the warm-up match and batted without issue on the final day.

Who is likely to partner Mohammed Siraj with the new ball?
It's a close call between Prasidh Krishna (experience) and Gurnoor Brar (in-form after a strong warm-up showing), with a final decision expected close to the toss.

IND A vs SL XI Warm-Up Day 3: India Win by 6

Official Day 3 highlights via SonyLIV

India rounded off their three-day warm-up fixture in style, chasing down a target of 207 to beat Sri Lanka XI by six wickets at the Nondescripts Cricket Club Ground in Colombo. Yashasvi Jaiswal answered his Day 2 struggles with a brisk 61, captain Shubman Gill finally got out in the middle after missing the first two days through injury, and Mohammed Siraj added a late cameo with the bat to help seal the win. With the Test series just days away, this was exactly the kind of positive send-off India needed.

Missed the earlier days? Catch up on Day 1 and Day 2.

Match summary

• Sri Lanka XI 1st innings: 363/8 declared
• India 1st innings: 357/6 declared
• Sri Lanka XI 2nd innings: 200/6 declared
• India 2nd innings (chase): 214/4 in 45 overs
• Result: India won by 6 wickets
• Player of the match performance: Devdutt Padikkal (142* in the 1st innings)

How the final day unfolded

Sri Lanka XI added to their overnight total in the morning session, with Nishan Madushka anchoring the innings on 63 off 73 balls before Nipun Dhananjaya (46) and Anjala Bandara (35) chipped in down the order. Ravindra Jadeja picked up the key wicket of Dhananjaya, and Sri Lanka eventually declared on 200 for 6, setting India a target of 207 in 43 overs.

India made light work of the chase. Jaiswal, who managed just a duck on Day 2, looked in complete control this time — reaching fifty with a slog sweep before retiring, and finding the boundary with ease throughout his 61. Gill, back in the middle for the first time this match after his injury layoff, made a composed 41. With the total ticking along quickly, Mohammed Siraj came in for a late-order blitz to help India cross the line with overs to spare, sealing a comfortable six-wicket win.

What this means heading into the Test series

This was about as good a warm-up as India could have asked for. Padikkal's twin contributions (142* and a composed follow-up knock) have all but locked in his middle-order spot with Sai Sudharsan out of the series, Jadeja showed both bat and ball form against spin-friendly conditions, and getting Jaiswal and Gill both among the runs on the final day settles some of the batting-order questions before the series opener. The two-match Test series begins August 15, and on this evidence India go in with real momentum.

Frequently asked questions

Who won the India vs Sri Lanka XI warm-up match?
India won by six wickets, chasing down a target of 207.

Who was the standout performer across the match?
Devdutt Padikkal, with an unbeaten 142 in the first innings that all but confirmed his spot in the Test XI.

Did Shubman Gill play in the warm-up match?
He missed the first two days through injury but returned on Day 3, scoring 41.

When does the India vs Sri Lanka Test series start?
The two-match series begins August 15, 2026.

IND A vs SL XI Warm-Up Day 2: Highlights & Report

Official Day 2 highlights via SonyLIV

Devdutt Padikkal answered every question about his place in the XI with a brilliant unbeaten 142 on Day 2 of India's warm-up match against Sri Lanka XI in Colombo, dragging India to within touching distance of the hosts' first-innings total. Sri Lanka declared their overnight 363/8 to start the day, and despite an early rain interruption and the loss of Yashasvi Jaiswal for a duck, India closed on 357/6 — trailing by just six runs with two days left in the three-day fixture.

Catch up on Day 1's report and highlights here if you missed Sri Lanka XI's innings.

Day 2 quick facts

• Venue: Nondescripts Cricket Club Ground, Colombo
• Sri Lanka XI first innings: 363/8 declared
• India close of play: 357/6 (trail by 6 runs)
• Star performer: Devdutt Padikkal — unbeaten on 142
• Also impressed: KL Rahul (40), Ravindra Jadeja (fifty), Gurnoor Brar (36 off 18)
• Early blow: Yashasvi Jaiswal out for a duck

How the day unfolded

Play was delayed briefly by rain, but once it got underway India lost Jaiswal early, edging behind and giving Sri Lanka XI a promising start with the ball. KL Rahul and Padikkal then steadied things with a 96-run stand for the second wicket, taking India to 67 for 1 at lunch. Rahul fell for 40, but Padikkal kept going — reaching his century before a brief retired-hurt stoppage, then returning later in the innings to push on unbeaten to 142.

India experimented with the batting order through the middle overs, sending Ravindra Jadeja in at No. 4 to get him time in the middle ahead of the Test series; he obliged with a composed fifty of his own. Late in the day, Gurnoor Brar provided a quick 36 off just 18 balls to keep the scoreboard ticking, and India ended the day just six runs shy of Sri Lanka XI's total with four wickets still in hand.

What this means for the Test series

This is exactly the kind of batting response India needed after a bowling-heavy first day. Padikkal's innings in particular strengthens his case for a middle-order spot in the first Test, and getting Jadeja significant batting time against spin-friendly conditions is valuable preparation two-match series that carries World Test Championship points. With one day left in this warm-up fixture, India will likely use the final day to get more bowlers time in the middle rather than push hard for a first-innings lead that's now barely out of reach.

Frequently asked questions

What was India's score at stumps on Day 2?
India closed on 357 for 6, trailing Sri Lanka XI's 363/8 by six runs.

Who scored a century for India on Day 2?
Devdutt Padikkal finished the day unbeaten on 142.

Did rain affect play on Day 2?
Yes, there was a brief rain interruption early in the day before play resumed.

When does the India vs Sri Lanka Test series start?
The two-match Test series begins on August 15, 2026.

Where can I watch the warm-up match live?
It's being telecast on Sony Sports Network channels, with live streaming on the SonyLIV app and website.

IND A vs SL XI Warm-Up Day 1: Highlights & Report

Official Day 1 highlights via SonyLIV

Sri Lanka XI's young batting order made the most of a flat Nondescripts Cricket Club pitch on the opening day of their three-day warm-up match against India in Colombo, closing Day 1 on 363 for 8. It's exactly the kind of top-order fightback India didn't need heading into a two-match Test series that starts August 15 — a series that carries real weight for a team still searching for consistency in the format.

Day 1 quick facts

• Venue: Nondescripts Cricket Club Ground, Colombo
• Toss/session: Sri Lanka XI batted first
• Close of play score: Sri Lanka XI 363/8
• Top scorers: Ravindu Rasantha (71), Nishan Fernando (66), Sonal Dinusha (52)
• Best India bowler: Kuldeep Yadav (2/76)
• Test series starts: August 15, 2026

How the day unfolded

Nishan Fernando and Ravindu Rasantha put on a brisk 110-run opening stand, setting the tone for a day that largely belonged to the home side's batters. Rasantha went on to make 71 before Fernando fell for 66, and although India chipped away through the middle overs, Sri Lanka XI kept finding partnerships — Sonal Dinusha's 52 and a 64-run stand with Ramesh Mendis (32) for the seventh wicket pushed the total well past 350.

India's pace attack looked short of rhythm after a five-week break, which will be a genuine concern for team management with the first Test just over a week away. Kuldeep Yadav was the pick of the bowlers with 2 for 76, and Manav Suthar chipped in with a wicket, but neither spinner found the control India will need once the series proper begins.

What this means for the Test series

This warm-up fixture matters more than most practice games. India's batting unit has struggled against quality spin in recent home series losses, and Sri Lanka's conditions are traditionally spin-friendly — part of the reason this match was scheduled in the first place. A below-par bowling performance on Day 1, even in a warm-up, adds a bit more pressure on a Test side already under scrutiny after a difficult run of results, including a home whitewash against New Zealand and a series defeat in Australia.

With the two-Test series carrying World Test Championship points, India will want the bowling unit — pace in particular — to find its rhythm well before August 15.

Frequently asked questions

Where is the India A vs Sri Lanka XI warm-up match being played?
At the Nondescripts Cricket Club Ground in Colombo.

What was the score at the end of Day 1?
Sri Lanka XI closed on 363 for 8.

When does the India vs Sri Lanka Test series start?
The two-match Test series begins on August 15, 2026.

Where can I watch the warm-up match live?
It's being telecast on Sony Sports Network channels, with live streaming on the SonyLIV app and website.

SA20 2027 Squads: All 6 Teams Before the Auction

All six SA20 franchises locked in their retained and pre-signed squads for Season 5 on August 5, with Mitchell Marsh, Joe Root, Sam Curran and Phil Salt headlining the international arrivals. The season opens on January 17 at St George's Park and wraps up with the Final at Newlands on February 21. Two teams have already completed their full 19-player rosters — the rest fill their remaining spots at the Player Auction on October 7.

SA20 2027 quick facts

• Season: 5
• Teams: 6
• Squad size: Up to 19 players per franchise
• Salary cap: R41 million (~US$2.31 million) per team, excluding the Wildcard slot
• Retention window closed: July 31, 2026
• Pre-signings announced: August 5, 2026
• Player Auction: October 7, 2026 (19 open slots across all six teams)
• Tournament dates: January 17 – February 21, 2027
• Opening match: St George's Park
• Final: Newlands

Who needs to shop at the auction?

Durban's Super Giants and Paarl Royals are the only two franchises to have filled all 19 squad spots already, and every team has used up its overseas pre-signing quota — though Joburg Super Kings still hold a Wildcard option in reserve. At the auction, Joburg Super Kings and MI Cape Town each need six more players including one Under-23 signing apiece, Pretoria Capitals need five, and Sunrisers Eastern Cape have two slots left to fill.

League Commissioner Graeme Smith noted that most squads are already settled heading into the auction, which he framed as a sign of the competition's growing stability going into what should be a closely fought Season 5.

Marquee international arrivals

• Mitchell Marsh (Australia) — joins Sunrisers Eastern Cape for his SA20 debut, pairing with Quinton de Kock in the top order.
• Joe Root (England) — returns to Paarl Royals for a second spell, reuniting with breakout batter Lhuan-dre Pretorius.
• Sam Curran (England) — joins Durban's Super Giants alongside Aiden Markram and Jos Buttler.
• Phil Salt (England) — returns to Pretoria Capitals, having climbed to No. 4 in the ICC T20I batting rankings.

SA20 2027 team-wise squads

Durban's Super Giants — squad complete (19/19)

Head coach: Lance Klusener  |  Captain: Aiden Markram

Marques Ackerman, David Bedingham, Eathan Bosch, Jos Buttler, Gerald Coetzee, Devon Conway, Sam Curran, Tony de Zorzi, Daryn Dupavillon, Simon Harmer, Evan Jones, Heinrich Klaasen, Liam Livingstone, Kwena Maphaka, Aiden Markram, Sunil Narine, Andile Simelane, Kyle Simmonds, Kane Williamson

Joburg Super Kings — 6 spots open at auction (incl. 1 U23)

Head coach: Albie Morkel  |  Captain: TBC

Jarren Bacher, Matthew de Villiers, Leus du Plooy, Donovan Ferreira, Dian Forrester, Jason Holder, Akeal Hosein, Duan Jansen, Rilee Rossouw, Janco Smit, Prenelan Subrayen, James Vince

Notable player released: Faf du Plessis was not retained.

MI Cape Town — 6 spots open at auction (incl. 1 U23)

Head coach: Robin Peterson  |  Captain: Rashid Khan

Corbin Bosch, Reeza Hendricks, Will Jacks, Thomas Kaber, Rashid Khan, George Linde, Tristan Luus, Dane Piedt, Nicholas Pooran, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Jason Smith, Tiaan van Vuuren

Paarl Royals — squad complete (19/19)

Head coach: Trevor Penney  |  Captain: David Miller

Ottneil Baartman, JJ Basson, Bjorn Fortuin, Rubin Hermann, Dan Lawrence, Keagan Lion-Cachet, David Miller, Nqobani Mokoena, Gudakesh Motie, Azmatullah Omarzai, Delano Potgieter, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Sikandar Raza, Thomas Rew, Joe Root, Asa Tribe, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Kyle Verreynne, Hardus Viljoen

Pretoria Capitals — 5 spots open at auction

Head coach: Sourav Ganguly  |  Captain: Keshav Maharaj

Dewald Brevis, Connor Esterhuizen, Wihan Lubbe, Keshav Maharaj, Bayanda Majola, Lungi Ngidi, Bryce Parsons, Gideon Peters, Andre Russell, Sherfane Rutherford, Phil Salt, Matthew Short, Lizaad Williams, Codi Yusuf

Sunrisers Eastern Cape — 2 spots open at auction

Head coach: Adrian Birrell  |  Captain: Tristan Stubbs

Matthew Breetzke, James Coles, Quinton de Kock, Lewis Gregory, Jordan Hermann, Rishad Hossain, Marco Jansen, CJ King, JP King, Patrick Kruger, Mitchell Marsh, Adam Milne, Senuran Muthusamy, Anrich Nortje, Lutho Sipamla, Tristan Stubbs, Mitchell van Buuren

SA20 2027 auction rules at a glance

Rule	Detail
Squad size	Up to 19 players per franchise
Salary cap	R41 million per team (Wildcard signing exempt)
Under-23 mandate	Each squad must include a minimum number of U23 players
Wildcard signing	One player per team allowed outside the salary cap
Auction date	October 7, 2026

Frequently asked questions

When is the SA20 2027 Player Auction?
The auction is scheduled for October 7, 2026, with 19 open slots across all six franchises.

Which teams have completed their squads before the auction?
Durban's Super Giants and Paarl Royals are the only two franchises with a full 19-player roster already in place.

Who replaced Faf du Plessis at Joburg Super Kings?
Du Plessis was released ahead of Season 5; Joburg Super Kings will look to fill part of that gap at the October 7 auction, where they have six open slots including one Under-23 spot.

When does SA20 2027 start?
The tournament begins January 17, 2027 at St George's Park, with the Final on February 21 at Newlands.

What is the salary cap for SA20 2027?
R41 million (about US$2.31 million) per franchise, not including each team's exempt Wildcard signing.

TNPL 2026: Dindigul Dragons Beat Tiruppur in Opener

Dindigul Dragons Outclass Defending Champions in TNPL 2026 Opener After Stunning Tiruppur Collapse

The 10th edition of the Shriram Capital Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL) 2026 got off to an exciting start as Dindigul Dragons defeated defending champions IDream Tiruppur Tamizhans by 7 wickets at the NPR College Cricket Ground, Dindigul.

What looked like a promising start for the defending champions quickly turned into a batting collapse, allowing Dindigul Dragons to dominate the contest from the Powerplay onwards. After bowling Tiruppur out for just 107 in 15.4 overs, the Dragons chased down the target comfortably with 111/3 in 18.3 overs to register their first victory of the season.

Match Summary

Match	TNPL 2026 - Match 1
Venue	NPR College Cricket Ground, Dindigul
Result	Dindigul Dragons won by 7 wickets
IDream Tiruppur Tamizhans	107 all out (15.4 overs)
Dindigul Dragons	111/3 (18.3 overs)

Tiruppur's Bright Start Didn't Last Long

Defending champions IDream Tiruppur Tamizhans started aggressively. Amit Sathvik wasted no time and smashed 20 runs from only six deliveries, hitting two boundaries and two sixes. Along with the early momentum, Tiruppur looked well placed despite losing Tushar Raheja.

At 42/1, the innings appeared to be heading towards a competitive total. Instead, the game completely changed over the next few overs.

Collapse That Changed Everything

Dindigul Dragons struck repeatedly through the middle overs to trigger one of the biggest collapses seen in recent TNPL matches.

P. Bhuvaneswaran dismissed Sai Kishore and Pradosh Ranjan Paul, while Nirankar Sharma ripped through the middle order with three important wickets. Tiruppur suddenly slipped from 42/1 to 68/7, losing six wickets in quick succession.

Only S Mohan Prasath remained unbeaten on 17 while Esakkimuthu A contributed 15 to push the total beyond the 100-run mark before the innings ended at 107.

Tiruppur Tamizhans Batting Scorecard

Batter	Runs	Balls
Amit Sathvik	20	6
Tushar Raheja	4	4
Sai Kishore	4	3
Pradosh Ranjan Paul	7	5
Mohamed Ali	11	14
U. Sasidev	17	21
S Ganesh	0	3
V Anovankar	0	2
S Mohan Prasath*	17	14
Esakkimuthu A	15	18
R Silambarasan	4	4

Dindigul Bowlers Took Complete Control

The Dragons' bowling attack never allowed Tiruppur to recover after the early breakthroughs.

• P. Bhuvaneswaran: 3/32
• Nirankar Sharma: 3/21
• Sakthi Karuppasamy: 2/18
• Sandeep Warrier: 1/20
• M. Karthik Saran: 1/14

Each bowler played a role, but it was the combined pressure during the middle overs that completely broke Tiruppur's batting lineup.

Dindigul Completed The Chase Without Panic

Needing only 108 for victory, Dindigul Dragons approached the chase sensibly.

Anuraag Rajesh Nair anchored the innings with 34, while Vimal Khumar remained unbeaten on 33. Although Tiruppur picked up three wickets through T. Natarajan, Sai Kishore and R. Silambarasan, the target was never enough to seriously challenge the Dragons.

Hunny Saini finished unbeaten on 17 as Dindigul crossed the finish line in 18.3 overs.

Dindigul Dragons Batting Scorecard

Batter	Runs	Balls
Anuraag Rajesh Nair	34	39
Shivam Singh	10	10
R K Jayant	7	6
Vimal Khumar*	33	40
Hunny Saini*	17	16

Turning Point

The defining moment came when IDream Tiruppur Tamizhans lost six wickets after reaching 42/1. That collapse reduced a potentially competitive total into a below-par score, leaving Dindigul Dragons with a comfortable chase.

Top Performers

• 🏏 P. Bhuvaneswaran – 3 wickets
• 🏏 Nirankar Sharma – 3 wickets
• 🏏 Sakthi Karuppasamy – 2 wickets
• 🏏 Anuraag Rajesh Nair – 34 runs
• 🏏 Vimal Khumar – 33* runs
• 🏏 Amit Sathvik – 20 runs off just 6 balls

Final Thoughts

Dindigul Dragons could not have asked for a better start to their TNPL 2026 campaign. Their disciplined bowling exposed the defending champions' middle order before the batters completed a professional chase. For IDream Tiruppur Tamizhans, the opening defeat serves as an early reminder that defending a title will require much stronger batting performances in the matches ahead.

TNPL 2026 Full Schedule, Teams, Squads & Everything You Need to Know

The 10th season of the Tamil Nadu Premier League is finally here, and it's shaping up to be the biggest edition yet. TNPL 2026 runs from August 4 to August 28, with eight franchises fighting it out across 32 T20 matches for the title. Here's everything you need to know — schedule, teams, venues, and the players worth watching this season.

TNPL 2026 quick facts

• Season: 10th edition
• Dates: August 4 – August 28, 2026
• Teams: 8
• Total matches: 32 (28 league + 4 playoffs)
• Venues: NPR College Ground, Dindigul and MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai
• Defending champions: IDream Tiruppur Tamizhans
• Broadcast: Star Sports Tamil (TV), FanCode (streaming)

Venues and format

The tournament is split across two grounds this year. The opening phase — the first 20 league matches — will be played at NPR College Ground in Dindigul, a ground that's turned into a genuine batting paradise over the last two seasons, with first-innings totals averaging 175–180. Chasing teams have had the edge here too, winning just over half their matches.

The action then shifts to the iconic MA Chidambaram Stadium (Chepauk) in Chennai for the rest of the league stage plus all four playoff matches. Chepauk plays very differently — it's traditionally a spin-friendly track, and history shows teams batting first have generally had the upper hand in T20 cricket there.

Each of the eight teams plays a single round-robin, facing every other side once. The top four then advance to the playoffs: Qualifier 1, the Eliminator, Qualifier 2, and the Final — all at Chepauk.

TNPL 2026 teams

Eight franchises are competing this season:

1. IDream Tiruppur Tamizhans — defending champions, captained by R. Sai Kishore
2. Chepauk Super Gillies — the most successful team in TNPL history with four titles
3. Dindigul Dragons — runners-up in 2025, led by Ravichandran Ashwin
4. Lyca Kovai Kings — two-time champions (2023, 2024)
5. Nellai Royal Kings — known for a strong all-round core
6. Salem Spartans — formerly Tuti Patriots, winners of the inaugural 2016 season
7. Siechem Madurai Panthers — champions in 2018
8. Trichy Grand Cholas

Tiruppur Tamizhans enter this season as defending champions after a dominant 118-run win over Dindigul Dragons in last year's final — the most one-sided result in the league's history.

Players to watch

TNPL has a strong track record of producing players who've gone on to represent India and play in the IPL — T. Natarajan, Varun Chakravarthy, Washington Sundar, and R. Sai Kishore all came through this league. This season's names to watch include Sai Sudharsan and Shahrukh Khan (Kovai Kings), Baba Aparajith (Nellai Royal Kings), and Vijay Shankar (Chepauk Super Gillies).

Full schedule

Stage	Dates	Venue
League matches (Phase 1)	Aug 4 – Aug 17	NPR College Ground, Dindigul
League matches (Phase 2)	Aug 18 – Aug 22	MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai
Qualifier 1	Aug 23	MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai
Eliminator	Aug 24	MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai
Qualifier 2	Aug 26	MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai
Final	Aug 28	MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai

(Exact match-by-match fixtures are subject to change — check the official TNCA schedule closer to each match date and update this table if fixtures shift.)

How to watch TNPL 2026

Every match will be broadcast live on Star Sports Tamil, with live streaming available on the FanCode app and website.

Frequently asked questions

When does TNPL 2026 start?
The tournament begins on August 4, 2026, and concludes with the final on August 28.

How many teams are playing in TNPL 2026?
Eight franchises are competing this season.

Where is the TNPL 2026 final being played?
The final will be held at MA Chidambaram Stadium (Chepauk) in Chennai.

Who won TNPL 2025?
IDream Tiruppur Tamizhans won their maiden title, beating Dindigul Dragons by 118 runs in the final.

Where can I watch TNPL 2026 live?
On TV via Star Sports Tamil, or streaming live on the FanCode app and website.

ICC Cricket World Cup 2027 Explained

The ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2027 is shaping up to be one of the most exciting editions...

The ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2027 is shaping up to be one of the most exciting editions in the tournament's history. For the first time since 2003, the Cricket World Cup returns to Africa, with South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia jointly hosting the event.

However, the biggest talking point isn't just the host nations. The International Cricket Council (ICC) has introduced a completely new tournament format featuring the Super Series and Super 7, making qualification and progression more competitive than ever before.

In this guide, we'll explain everything you need to know about the ICC Cricket World Cup 2027, including qualification rules, tournament format, venues and whether these changes truly benefit Associate nations.

---

Quick Overview

Tournament	ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2027
Dates	4 October – 21 November 2027
Hosts	South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia
Teams	14
Total Matches	57
Defending Champions	Australia

World Cup Returns to Africa After 24 Years

The 2027 edition marks the return of the ODI World Cup to Africa after more than two decades. South Africa and Zimbabwe previously co-hosted the 2003 Cricket World Cup alongside Kenya. This time, Namibia joins as a host nation for the first time in senior ICC tournament history.

ICC has launched the tournament under the theme "Three Nations, One Heartbeat", celebrating the culture, diversity and unity of the three host countries.

---

How Teams Qualify for ICC Cricket World Cup 2027

A total of 14 teams will participate in the tournament.

Automatic Qualification

• South Africa (Host)
• Zimbabwe (Host)
• Top 8 teams in the ICC ODI Rankings (excluding hosts) as of 30 September 2026

Qualification Tournament

The remaining four teams will qualify through the ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier scheduled for late 2026 and early 2027.

Qualification Method	Teams
Host Nations	2
Top ODI Rankings	8
World Cup Qualifier	4
Total	14

---

Why Doesn't Namibia Qualify Automatically?

This is one of the biggest questions among cricket fans.

Although Namibia is one of the three host nations, it does not receive automatic qualification because it is not a Full Member of the ICC.

Instead, Namibia must qualify through the normal qualification pathway like every other Associate nation.

Many fans have questioned this decision because host nations traditionally qualify automatically. ICC's current qualification rules only guarantee automatic qualification for Full Member host nations.

---

All ICC Cricket World Cup 2027 Venues

South Africa (8 Venues)

• Wanderers Stadium – Johannesburg
• Centurion Park – Tshwane
• Newlands Cricket Ground – Cape Town
• Kingsmead – Durban
• St George's Park – Gqeberha
• Mangaung Oval – Bloemfontein
• Boland Park – Paarl
• Buffalo Park – KuGompo City

Zimbabwe (3 Venues)

• Harare Sports Club
• Queens Sports Club
• Mosi-oa-Tunya International Cricket Stadium

Namibia (1 Venue)

• Namibia Cricket Ground – Windhoek

Total Stadiums: 12

---

What Changed in the 2027 World Cup?

The ICC has completely redesigned the tournament compared to the 2023 Cricket World Cup.

2023	2027
10 Teams	14 Teams
Single Round Robin	Groups + Super Series + Super 7
48 Matches	57 Matches
Semi-finals	Semi-finals
Final	Final

Increasing the number of teams gives more nations an opportunity to compete on cricket's biggest stage. However, ICC has also introduced a more complex qualification pathway to maintain competitive balance.

---

Continue Reading: In Part 2, we'll explain the new Super Series, Super 7, knockout qualification, and analyze whether the new format truly benefits Associate nations.

Tejaswin Shankar's Historic Commonwealth Games Decathlon Medal

 He Left the Arena in Tears. A Week Later, He Made History.

There are victories that are measured in medals.

Then there are victories measured in courage.

When Tejaswin Shankar walked away from the high jump arena at the 2026 Commonwealth Games, the pain wasn't just in his knee. It was in the look on his face. The event that had made him India's first Commonwealth Games high jump medallist had ended before it truly began.

For any athlete, that could have been the end of the Games.

For Tejaswin Shankar, it became the beginning of a different story.

Just days later, while many were still talking about his heartbreaking withdrawal, he stepped onto the track again. Not for one event. Not for two.

For ten.

The decathlon is often called the toughest event in athletics. It demands speed like a sprinter, strength like a thrower, agility like a hurdler, precision like a vaulter, and endurance like a distance runner. It isn't about mastering one skill—it's about mastering almost everything.

Most athletes dedicate their careers to a single discipline.

Decathletes choose the hardest path.

For two relentless days, competitors battle through ten different events:

For ten.

The decathlon is often called the toughest event in athletics. It demands speed like a sprinter, strength like a thrower, agility like a hurdler, precision like a vaulter, and endurance like a distance runner. It isn't about mastering one skill—it's about mastering almost everything.

Most athletes dedicate their careers to a single discipline.

Decathletes choose the hardest path.

For two relentless days, competitors battle through ten different events:

Day One

100 metres

Long Jump

Shot Put

High Jump

400 metres

Day Two

110-metre Hurdles

Discus Throw

Pole Vault

Javelin Throw

1500 metres

Every performance earns points. There are no second chances. One poor event can cost hundreds of points. By the end, the athlete with the highest combined score stands on the podium.

Now imagine doing all that while carrying the pain of a knee injury that had already ended your strongest event just days earlier.

That was the challenge in front of Tejaswin Shankar.

Every sprint hurt.

Every landing tested his knee.

Every throw demanded balance.

Every jump carried risk.

Yet he kept going.

Event after event.

Point after point.

By the time the final event ended, Tejaswin Shankar hadn't just completed the decathlon. He had created history, becoming the first Indian to win a Commonwealth Games medal in the decathlon.

The medal was bronze.

The achievement was priceless.

Sometimes the greatest comeback isn't about returning to the same event where you failed.

Sometimes it's about discovering that you're capable of something even bigger.

For Indian athletics, this wasn't just another medal.

It was proof that resilience can be stronger than injury, and that history often begins where disappointment seems to end.