India's Path to WTC Final: Rahul Dravid's Confidence Amid Challenges The Indian cricket team's journey toward the World Test Championship (WTC) final remains a challenging yet promising endeavor, according to former coach Rahul Dravid. Despite being fifth in the points table with 53.33 points, Dravid emphasized that India's talent and potential still make them a formidable contender. He acknowledged the team's current position as a setback but stressed that their capabilities cannot be underestimated. India's performance in the 2025-27 WTC cycle has been inconsistent, with only a single Test victory against Sri Lanka failing to propel them into the top two. The team's current standing highlights the need for improved results in upcoming matches, particularly against New Zealand and Australia. Dravid noted that the WTC format, which rewards points from each Test series, means even a single series victory could significantly impact their chances of securing a top-two finish. The upcoming Test series against New Zealand is critical, as results from these matches will directly influence India's position in the points table. Dravid highlighted the importance of consistency, warning that fluctuations in performance—such as a strong showing followed by a loss—could jeopardize their prospects. He also stressed the need for balanced contributions across batting, bowling, and fielding, especially in high-pressure situations. India's path to the WTC final is further complicated by the outcomes of other teams. Recent results, such as Bangladesh's loss to Australia, have slightly shifted the competition dynamics in India's favor. However, Dravid cautioned against relying solely on others' misfortunes.#new_zealand #australia #rahul_dravid #india_cricket_team #world_test_championship
Rahul Dravid Confident India Can Qualify for Test Championship Final Rahul Dravid, the former captain and coach of the Indian cricket team, has expressed confidence that India will qualify for the fourth edition of the ICC Test Championship final. In a recent interview, Dravid stated that the team’s current form and capabilities make them strong contenders for the prestigious event. He emphasized that India’s progress in the championship is significant, even though they are currently ranked fifth in the points table with 53.33 points. Dravid highlighted that India’s performance in the recent Test series against Sri Lanka, where they started with a victory, serves as a crucial step toward securing a spot in the final. He noted that the team’s ability to adapt and perform under pressure has been evident, and this momentum could carry them through the upcoming challenges. Looking ahead, India is set to face New Zealand in a two-Test series in October and November. Dravid acknowledged that New Zealand is a formidable opponent, particularly at home, where the team has historically performed well. He pointed out that many of India’s young players have not yet faced New Zealand’s conditions, making the series a significant test of their resilience and adaptability. Dravid also expressed optimism about the team’s preparation for the upcoming matches. He believes the players will focus on maintaining their fitness and avoiding injuries, which is critical for a long-format series. However, he noted that the absence of experienced players like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Ajinkya Rahane, and Cheteshwar Pujara could present challenges. These veterans were part of the squad during India’s previous tour of New Zealand, and their absence may place additional pressure on the younger players to step up.#india #new_zealand #australia #rahul_dravid #icc_test_championship
India Have Fallen Behind in WTC Final Race, Says Rahul Dravid Rahul Dravid, the former India captain and current team owner in the European T20 Premier League, has expressed concerns about India’s position in the race for the World Test Championship (WTC) final. While acknowledging the team’s potential, Dravid warned that the upcoming two-Test series against New Zealand will be a significant challenge, particularly due to the absence of experienced players like Virat Kohli and Cheteshwar Pujara. India, currently ranked fifth in the WTC points table, faces an uphill battle to secure a top-two spot and qualify for the final, which will be held in 2027. Dravid emphasized that India’s recent performance in the two-match series against Sri Lanka, where they led 1-0 after the first Test and held an advantage in the second, is a positive sign. However, he cautioned that the team must maintain consistency to stay competitive. “They’ve fallen behind a little bit, but the kind of quality that the Indian team has, you’re not going to write them off at any stage,” Dravid said. He highlighted the importance of the upcoming series against New Zealand, noting that the young Indian squad will face unfamiliar conditions and a lack of senior leadership. The two-Test series in New Zealand, scheduled for October 2026, will test the Indian team’s resilience. Dravid pointed out that the absence of key veterans like Kohli, Pujara, and Ajinkya Rahane will leave a void in experience. “A lot of the young Indian boys have not played in those conditions, so that’s going to be a big challenge,” he said. He also stressed the need for the team to avoid injuries and maintain fitness over the next few months. India’s path to the WTC final is further complicated by the five-Test series against Australia, set to begin in January 2027.#india #new_zealand #australia #rahul_dravid #world_test_championship
India's Chances of Qualifying for World Test Championship Final Remain Uncertain, Says Former Coach Rahul Dravid The Indian cricket team faces a challenging path to securing a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final, according to former coach Rahul Dravid. Despite a strong performance against Sri Lanka, Dravid believes the team’s chances are slim due to the narrow margin for error in the current standings. India currently sits fifth in the points table, with the top two teams guaranteed a place in the final. To qualify, the team must win at least six of its remaining eight Test matches, a daunting task given the competition and upcoming fixtures. Dravid highlighted the difficulties ahead, particularly the series against New Zealand, where the team’s lack of experience on pace-friendly pitches could hinder their performance. He also pointed out the absence of key veterans such as Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, whose experience might be crucial in high-stakes matches. The team’s schedule includes two Tests against New Zealand and five against Australia, with the latter presenting a significant challenge as Australia leads the points table with 80% of the available points. The former coach emphasized that while India’s performance against Sri Lanka was commendable, the team must address its shortcomings to remain competitive. He warned that the absence of senior players and the need for younger talents to adapt to different playing conditions could affect their prospects. Dravid also noted the importance of maintaining player fitness and minimizing injuries, as the upcoming fixtures will test the squad’s resilience. Currently, the points table places India fifth, with Bangladesh in fourth and New Zealand third.#india #new_zealand #australia #rahul_dravid #world_test_championship
Bangladesh Makes History in ICC Test Team Rankings, India and Pakistan's Positions Revealed Bangladesh has made history by rising to sixth place in the ICC Test Team Rankings, marking its first entry into the top six. Led by captain Nazmul Hossain Shanto, the Tigers climbed one position after a historic performance against Australia in a two-match Test series. The team earned 78 rating points, a significant achievement for a nation that played its first Test match in 2000. The series, held in Darwin, saw Bangladesh secure a 1-1 draw, with their first Test victory coming in the first match. They defeated Australia by nine wickets, a landmark win on Australian soil. The second Test, however, saw Australia dominate, crushing Bangladesh by 51 runs in a match that ended in two days. India remains firmly in the top five, occupying the fourth position with 104 points. The Indian team is currently on a tour of Sri Lanka, where they lead a two-match Test series 1-0. Their first Test victory in the series came by 165 runs, showcasing their dominance. Sri Lanka, meanwhile, holds the seventh spot with 76 points, while Pakistan ranks eighth with 75 points. Pakistan’s recent performance against England highlighted their struggles, as they were defeated by 103 runs in the first Test at Leeds. Australia maintains its stronghold at the top of the rankings with 126 points, followed by South Africa in second place (119 points) and New Zealand in third (106 points). The Australian team’s dominance was further underscored by their crushing victory over Bangladesh in the second Test. Mitchell Starc, the Australian fast bowler, played a pivotal role, taking 10 wickets in the match—five in the first innings and four in the second. This performance secured him the Player of the Match and Player of the Series accolades.#australia #bangladesh #mitchell_starc #nazmul_hossain_shanto #icc_test_team_rankings
Australia's Cricket Team Faces ICC Penalties After Bangladesh Defeat Australia's cricket team is facing potential sanctions from the International Cricket Council (ICC) following a crushing 9-wicket loss to Bangladesh in the third Test at Darwin. The defeat, which marked the first time the Kangaroos have lost a Test match at home, has intensified scrutiny over their performance and adherence to match regulations. The ICC could impose penalties for slow over rates, which may affect both the World Test Championship (WTC) points and the players' earnings. The match, which ended on the third day, saw Australia complete only 86 overs instead of the required 90, falling four overs short. This discrepancy has raised concerns about the team's compliance with ICC rules, which mandate a minimum number of overs per day. The ICC's match referee will assess the situation, taking into account the extreme heat and humidity in Darwin, which may have impacted the team's ability to meet the overs target. The potential consequences of the slow over rate are significant. If found guilty, Australia could lose up to four WTC points, reducing their current total of 84 points to 80. This would place them further behind the competition, as they currently lead the WTC table with 77.78% points. Additionally, players could face financial penalties, with a 5% fine on their match fees for each over missed. A single Test match payment for players is approximately $20,000, and a 20% penalty for four overs short could cost each player around $4,000, totaling nearly $44,000 for the playing XI. The ICC's rules allow for deductions in cases of slow over rates, and Australia has previously faced similar penalties. During the previous WTC cycle, the team was docked four points for a similar issue.#international_cricket_council #australia #bangladesh #world_test_championship #simon_katich
Australia Announces Playing XI for Second Test Against Bangladesh Australia has confirmed its playing XI for the second Test against Bangladesh, which will take place at the Great Barrier Reef Arena in Queensland starting on August 22. The team made only one change from the previous Test, bringing back Matthew Reneshaw to the lineup after a three-year absence. The decision comes following Australia’s unexpected loss in the first Test, marking their first defeat to Bangladesh in a home series in Test cricket history. The second Test will be played at the Great Barrier Reef Arena, a venue known for its challenging pitch conditions. The first Test saw Australia struggle with both batting and bowling, with the team managing only a single century in the two innings. Cameron Green scored the lone century, while Steve Smith managed a half-century. Bangladesh capitalized on the difficult conditions, scoring 426 runs in their first innings, with Australia’s bowlers failing to contain the opposition. Matthew Reneshaw’s return to the team is a significant development. The 30-year-old opener had last played a Test for Australia in February 2023 against India, but has been absent from the squad since. This will be Reneshaw’s 15th Test match against Bangladesh, with his previous 14 Tests yielding 645 runs, including one century and three half-centuries. His average of 29.31 and a highest score of 184 make him a key contributor to the team’s batting lineup. The playing XI for the second Test includes Travis Head, Matthew Reneshaw, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Cameron Green, Alex Carey (wicketkeeper), Billy Weber, Pat Cummins (captain), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, and Josh Hazlewood. Labuschagne retained his spot despite speculation about his inclusion, as the team opted for continuity in the middle order.#australia #bangladesh #travis_head #great_barrier_reef_arena #matthew_reneshow
Bangladesh Secures Historic Victory Over Australia in Darwin Test Bangladesh made history by defeating Australia in a Test match on home soil for the first time, marking a significant milestone in the team's cricketing journey. The victory, achieved in the first Test of a three-match series at the Darwin Test Ground, ended a 23-year wait for Bangladesh to triumph against Australia on Australian soil. This win not only solidified Bangladesh's position in Test cricket but also highlighted their growing competitiveness on the global stage. The match, which saw Bangladesh secure a comprehensive 9-wicket victory, was a testament to the team's resilience and tactical acumen. After Australia's first innings collapsed to 198, Bangladesh responded with a dominant 426-run chase, setting a commanding lead of 228 runs. The innings was anchored by a stellar performance from opener Tanzid Hasan Tamin, who scored an impressive 101, alongside captain Najmul Hossain Shanto (84) and all-rounder Mehedi Hasan Miraz (65). The Bangladesh bowlers, led by fast bowler Hasan Mahmud, played a pivotal role in dismantling Australia's batting lineup, with Mahmud claiming 6 wickets in the first innings and 3 in the second. This victory marked Bangladesh's second win against Australia in Test cricket, following their 2017 win in Mirpur. The series, which will continue with the second Test in Mackay starting on August 22, now holds significant implications for both teams. Australia, despite the loss, remains a formidable force in the sport, but Bangladesh's ability to secure a win on home turf underscores their progress. The match also saw a standout performance from Australian opener Cameron Green, who scored a century in the second innings, marking his third Test century.#australia #bangladesh #najmul_hossain_shanto #darwin_test_ground #tanzid_hasan_tamin
Bangladesh Move Closer to Historic First Test Victory in Australia Bangladesh made significant strides toward securing their first-ever Test victory in Australia on the third day of the first Test in Darwin, maintaining a commanding lead over the hosts. The match, part of a two-Test series, saw the Tigers post a formidable total of 426 runs, with the Australian side trailing by 67 runs after their second innings. The pivotal moment came when spinner Mehidy Hasan Miraz dismissed Australia’s talismanic batsman Steve Smith for 44, sending the home team reeling and bolstering Bangladesh’s hopes of a historic triumph. The Bangladesh innings was marked by resilience and tactical brilliance. Openers Tanzid Hasan and Shanto Islam struck a partnership of 101, with Tanzid scoring a fluent 101 off 154 balls, while Shanto contributed an assured 84. Miraz, who had already taken a career-best 6-55 in the first innings, added another 65 in the second, guiding the lower order with composure. His innings, coupled with the efforts of pace bowler Hasan Mahmud, who claimed 6-89 in the second innings, dismantled Australia’s batting line-up. Mahmud’s early breakthroughs, dismissing Jake Weatherald and Travis Head for 17, set the tone for Bangladesh’s dominance. Australia, meanwhile, struggled to respond. After being bowled out for 198 in the first innings, the hosts managed to rebuild with Marnus Labuschagne and Smith steadying the innings. Labuschagne scored 31 before being dismissed by Taijul Islam, but Smith’s disciplined 44 off 88 balls kept Australia in the game. However, the loss of Smith, who had been a key figure in Australia’s recent successes, left the hosts with a mountain to climb.#australia #bangladesh #mehidy_hasan_miraz #tanzid_hasan #najmul_hossain_shanto
Hasan Mahmud's Historic Six-Wicket Haul Lifts Bangladesh to Historic Victory Over Australia in ICC World Test Championship Opener Bangladesh delivered a dominant performance in the opening Test of the ICC World Test Championship against Australia, dismissing the world champions for 198 on the first day of the match at Marrara Stadium in Darwin. Hasan Mahmud, the Bangladesh fast bowler, achieved a rare six-wicket haul in his career, finishing with figures of 6/55 from 17 overs. This marked the third-best bowling figures by a Bangladesh fast bowler in Test history, with only Shahadat Hossain (6/27) and Ebadot Hossain (6/46) recording better returns for the nation. Mahmud’s performance also represented the first five-wicket haul by a Bangladesh bowler in Australia, a significant milestone in his career. The match saw Bangladesh take all 10 wickets in a Test innings for the second time in their history, with the previous instance occurring against Pakistan in the second innings at Rawalpindi in 2024. This achievement surpassed the previous record of 217, set in Mirpur in 2017, as Australia’s total of 198 became the lowest score the team has ever recorded against Bangladesh in Test cricket. The Bangladesh pace attack, led by Mahmud, dismantled Australia’s batting lineup with precision, exploiting the conditions to perfection. Australia, having won the toss and elected to bat first, struggled to find rhythm against the relentless pace attack. Steve Smith (71 off 109 deliveries) managed a solitary half-century but failed to build a meaningful partnership with Cameron Green, who was dismissed early in the innings. Taskin Ahmed and Ebadot Hossain each claimed a brace of wickets, further tightening Australia’s batting order.#australia #bangladesh #icc_world_test_championship #hasan_mahmud #marrara_stadium
Australia and Bangladesh Test Match: A Historic Encounter for Bangladesh The first Test match between Australia and Bangladesh, held at the Marara Cricket Ground in Darwin on August 13, 2026, marked a significant milestone for Bangladesh. This was the team’s first-ever Test series against Australia on Australian soil since 2003. The grassy pitch at Darwin provided early assistance to the fast bowlers, and Bangladesh capitalized on the conditions to disrupt Australia’s top order. Bangladesh’s pace bowlers, Hasan Mahmud, Taskin Ahmed, and Ibadat Hussain, delivered a dominant performance, leveraging the favorable conditions to dismantle Australia’s batting lineup. Taskin Ahmed’s unique celebration after dismissing Cameron Green became a talking point. The incident occurred during the 22nd over of Australia’s innings, when Green failed to connect with the last ball of the over, allowing Taskin to take the wicket. Taskin’s exuberant reaction—pulling his tongue out and dancing for a few seconds—was captured on camera and quickly went viral on social media. Australia’s captain Pat Cummins opted to bat first after winning the toss, and the hosts started strongly. The Australian openers set a solid foundation, scoring 45 runs without losing a wicket. However, Bangladesh’s bowlers quickly turned the tide. Local-born fast bowler Jake Weatherald, supported by the home crowd, was dismissed by Hasan Mahmud for 23 runs off 37 balls. The next over saw Ibadat Hussain dismissing Travis Head (22) with a sharp delivery, reducing Australia’s score to 52/2. Bangladesh’s spinners also played a crucial role. Ibadat Hussain claimed a wicket with a well-timed catch, dismissing Marne Labuschagne for 1 run.#australia #bangladesh #taskin_ahmed #pat_cummins #marara_cricket_ground
Gland Pharma Q1 net surges 47% to ₹317 cr on higher revenue Gland Pharma, a major player in the injectable generic drug market, reported a significant rise in its consolidated net profit for the June quarter, surging 47% year-on-year to ₹317 crore. This growth was fueled by a 20% increase in revenue from operations to ₹1,800.3 crore. However, on a sequential basis, the company’s net profit dipped by 14%, while revenue rose marginally by 3%. The surge in profitability was attributed to recent product launches from its Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO) portfolio and robust customer demand. Executive Chairman Srinivas Sadu highlighted the company’s strategic focus on investing in differentiated technologies and expanding capacity to build a strong CDMO pipeline. These initiatives are aimed at enhancing its position in the global pharmaceutical landscape. Revenue from the U.S., Gland Pharma’s key market, grew by 32% YoY to ₹981 crore, though it remained flat sequentially. In contrast, revenue from Canada, Australia, and New Zealand—its other core markets—declined 28% YoY to ₹53.4 crore, with a 9% sequential drop. This divergence in performance underscores the varying dynamics of the company’s regional operations. A major development in the quarter was Gland Pharma’s announcement of a strategic manufacturing and supply agreement with a leading global pharmaceutical company. This partnership involves technology transfer, manufacturing, and supply of sterile injectable products for global markets. The collaboration positions Gland Pharma as an integrated end-to-end partner, supporting products across various stages of their lifecycle, including both commercially available and pipeline products.#us #australia #canada #gland_pharma #srinivas_sadu
India's Plastic Currency Trial: A Leap into the Future of Money India is set to launch a large-scale trial of 10 and 20 rupee plastic notes, marking a significant shift in the nation’s currency system. The initiative, approved by Finance Minister Pankaj Chaudhary, involves the issuance of 200 crore notes valued at 3,000 crores, with the goal of testing the viability of polymer-based currency. This move comes after decades of delays, technical hurdles, and debates over the benefits and challenges of transitioning from paper to plastic notes. A Global Lesson: Australia’s Polymer Revolution The story of plastic currency began in Australia in 1966, when the country faced a severe counterfeiting crisis. A group of criminals, including a former bank employee, replicated the design of the 10-dollar note using a printing press, leading to widespread fraud. This incident prompted the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) to explore alternatives. By 1988, Australia introduced the first polymer banknote, replacing paper notes. The new design incorporated advanced security features, such as a transparent window and holographic elements, making counterfeiting nearly impossible. The success of this initiative led to the adoption of polymer notes across the country, with over 90% of notes now being polymer-based. India’s Delayed Journey India’s attempt to adopt plastic currency faced multiple obstacles. The initial project, launched in the 1990s, stalled due to technical challenges, including the incompatibility of existing ATMs and cash-handling machines with polymer notes. Additionally, the 2016 demonetization drive, which invalidated 86% of high-denomination notes, diverted focus and resources away from the polymer initiative.#india #australia #pankaj_chaudhary #reserve_bank_of_australia #boppp
Taliban’s New Child Marriage Decree Demands Stronger Global Legal Action The Taliban’s recent decree on child marriage has intensified global concerns about the worsening treatment of women and girls in Afghanistan, as it appears to institutionalize discrimination through formal law. By making child marriage more permissible and harder to challenge, the measure has raised alarms that the regime is not merely ignoring rights but actively constructing a legal framework that curtails women’s autonomy, mobility, and dignity. Analysts argue that this decree is not a narrow domestic issue but a broader test of whether the international community will treat systematic gender-based discrimination as a serious global human rights crisis. The decree, titled the “Code on Judicial Separation of Spouses,” has drawn widespread condemnation for legitimizing child marriage while simultaneously complicating efforts for girls and women to escape forced or unwanted unions. The law reportedly treats a girl’s silence after puberty as implied consent, expands the authority of male relatives in arranging marriages, and creates legal barriers for girls seeking to contest these unions. This combination is deeply troubling because it transforms a personal freedom issue into a state-regulated process, shifting the burden of proof onto children and women rather than those arranging the marriages. This law is part of a larger pattern of restrictions on Afghan women and girls, including limitations on education, movement, public participation, and civic life. The new decree should be viewed as an extension of this control, normalizing the idea that girls can be subjected to marriage through family pressure, legal approval, and official endorsement.#australia #afghanistan #talebans #international_community #international_court_of_justice
ICC ने बदला फैसला, बेथ मूनी ने बना दिया नया वर्ल्ड रिकॉर्ड, इस मामले में विराट कोहली भी रह गए पीछे ऑस्ट्रेलिया की स्टार ओपनर बेथ मूनी ने महिला टी20 विश्व कप 2026 के फाइनल में शानदार बल्लेबाजी करते हुए अपनी टीम को रिकॉर्ड सातवां खिताब दिलाने में बड़ी भूमिका निभाई। उनकी इस पारी का असर इतना बड़ा रहा कि ICC को भी अपना फैसला बदलना पड़ा। इसके बाद बेथ मूनी के नाम ऐसा रिकॉर्ड दर्ज हुआ, जो आज तक कोई दूसरा क्रिकेटर नहीं बना सका। फाइनल में खेली मैच जिताऊ पारी लॉर्ड्स में खेले गए फाइनल में इंग्लैंड ने पहले बल्लेबाजी करते हुए 20 ओवर में 150 रन बनाए। जवाब में ऑस्ट्रेलिया की शुरुआत अच्छी नहीं रही और पहला विकेट सिर्फ 17 रन पर गिर गया। इसके बाद बेथ मूनी ने फोएबी लिचफील्ड के साथ दूसरे विकेट के लिए 100 रन की साझेदारी कर मैच का रुख बदल दिया। लिचफील्ड 48 रन बनाकर आउट हुईं, लेकिन मूनी अंत तक डटी रहीं। उन्होंने 49 गेंदों पर 64 रन की नाबाद पारी खेली और टीम को जीत तक पहुंचाया। फाइनल से पहले ICC ने प्लेयर ऑफ द टूर्नामेंट के लिए मारिजान कैप, एलिस पेरी, स्मृति मंधाना और डैनी व्याट हॉज को शॉर्टलिस्ट किया था। लेकिन फाइनल में बेथ मूनी की शानदार पारी के बाद ICC ने अपना फैसला बदला और उन्हें प्लेयर ऑफ द टूर्नामेंट चुना। मूनी ने पूरे टूर्नामेंट में सात मैचों की सात पारियों में 238 रन बनाए। इसके साथ ही वह महिला टी20 विश्व कप में दो बार प्लेयर ऑफ द टूर्नामेंट बनने वाली पहली क्रिकेटर बन गईं। इससे पहले उन्होंने 2020 में भी यह सम्मान जीता था। दो बड़े रिकॉर्ड एक साथ बेथ मूनी अब महिला टी20 विश्व कप के फाइनल में दो बार प्लेयर ऑफ द मैच बनने वाली भी पहली खिलाड़ी हैं। इससे पहले उन्हें 2023 के फाइनल में भी यह अवॉर्ड मिला था। टी20 विश्व कप के फाइनल मुकाबलों में सबसे ज्यादा रन बनाने का रिकॉर्ड भी अब बेथ मूनी के नाम है। पुरुष और महिला क्रिकेट को मिलाकर उन्होंने फाइनल में 230 रन बना लिए हैं। इस सूची में वेस्टइंडीज के मार्लन सैमुएल्स 163 रन के साथ दूसरे और भारत के केविराट कोहली 153 रन के साथ तीसरे स्थान पर हैं। इस तरह मूनी इस खास रिकॉर्ड में विराट को भी पीछे छोड़ चुकी हैं। बेथ मूनी ने सि...#icc #india #australia #england #beth_mooni
Xero Launches Ultra Plan To Target Australia’s Medium-Sized Businesses Xero has introduced Ultra, a new service tailored for medium-sized businesses in Australia that have outgrown basic accounting tools but are not yet ready to adopt full enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems. The plan marks a strategic shift for Xero, which has historically focused on small businesses. Ultra aims to deliver ERP-level capabilities in financial control, reporting, and visibility while staying within the same platform used by Xero’s existing customers. Priced at $500 per month (including GST), the plan is designed to address the needs of businesses scaling beyond the capacity of entry-level tools but without the complexity and cost of traditional ERP systems. The launch of Ultra is positioned as a response to a common challenge faced by growing Australian businesses. As organizations expand, they often find themselves trapped between software suited for smaller operations and enterprise systems built for much larger companies. Ultra seeks to bridge this gap by offering advanced tools without requiring a complete migration to a new platform. Angad Soin, Managing Director Australia and New Zealand and Global Chief Strategy Officer at Xero, emphasized the importance of serving this segment. “Australia’s scaling businesses are a vital part of this economy, and their needs are genuinely different,” Soin said. “Xero has always grown alongside its customers. Ultra is the next step in that strategy, serving a segment that’s complex enough to need more but still desires simplicity.” Ultra’s features include Syft Advanced reporting, which provides multi-entity consolidated reporting, scenario modeling, AI-powered insights, and four-way cash flow forecasting.#australia #xero #angad_soin #trainwest #damien_wragg
Former Opener Calls for KL Rahul's Return to T20I Squad for 2028 World Cup The Indian cricket team faced a crushing defeat in the third Twenty20 International against England on July 7, 2026, losing by 125 runs after being bowled out for a dismal 76 in 11.4 overs while chasing 202 to win. The loss marked the largest margin in India's T20I history and extended their streak of consecutive defeats in finished games to four. Following the match, former opener Sadagoppan Ramesh urged the team management to consider the inclusion of seasoned batter KL Rahul in the T20I squad for the 2028 T20 World Cup, which will be held in Australia and New Zealand. Ramesh emphasized the need for India to add a batter capable of handling high-quality fast bowlers, particularly in the challenging conditions of the 2028 tournament. He highlighted Rahul's recent IPL performance, where the right-hander scored 593 runs at an average of 45.61 and a strike rate of 174.41 in 14 games, becoming the first Indian to score over 150 in an IPL match. Ramesh argued that Rahul’s ability to adapt to fast bowling and his track record in the T20 format—2265 runs in 72 games, including two centuries and 22 fifties—make him a critical asset for the team. Rahul’s last appearance for India in T20Is was the 2022 T20 World Cup semi-final against England, where he scored 110* in a losing cause. Despite his strong numbers in the format, his absence from the T20I squad since then has raised concerns about India’s batting depth. Ramesh criticized the team’s reliance on left-handers, noting that the lineup is dominated by left-handed batters, which could be a disadvantage in Australia and New Zealand. He stressed that Rahul’s experience and ability to handle fast bowlers like James Anderson and Mitchell Starc make him an essential pick for the 2028 World Cup.#new_zealand #australia #kl_rahul #sadagoppan_ramesh #2028_t20_world_cup
Sophie Molineux to Lead Australia in ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 Final at Lord’s Sophie Molineux will fulfill a lifelong dream when she captains Australia in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 Final at Lord’s, a venue she once envisioned watching as a child. The all-rounder, now a captain, expressed her desire to see a Test match at the iconic ground to her father years ago. Now, her father will be in the stands to witness her leading Australia against England in a World Cup final. This marks Molineux’s first appearance as skipper in such a high-stakes match, as Australia aim to secure their seventh T20 World Cup title. Australia’s journey to the final has been marked by dominance, including a record-breaking chase of 171 against India in their final group-stage match. The team then comfortably defeated the West Indies in the semifinals, though their path was not without challenges. Star all-rounder Ellyse Perry, a key player, retired out with a “minor quad awareness” injury during the semifinal, raising concerns about her availability. Head coach Shelley Nitschke hinted at the possibility of playing Perry despite her fitness doubts, but Molineux remained cautious. She noted Perry’s strong performance in training, emphasizing her readiness to contribute with both bat and ball. “She trained really well, had a good bat, had a good bowl, she will field as well,” Molineux said. “She trained well today, and we will assess tomorrow… It would be great if she can bowl for us, but we feel we have cover in the bowling department.” Australia’s return to an ICC Final for the first time since 2023 highlights their resilience. The team’s previous loss to India in the 2025 Women’s Cricket World Cup ended their seven-year dominance of one or both ICC World Cups.#australia #icc_women_s_t20_world_cup_2026 #sophie_molineux #ellyse_perry #lord_s
Phoebe Litchfield Warns England of Pressure Ahead of T20 World Cup Final Australia’s Phoebe Litchfield has warned England that the pressure to win the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Final at Lord’s will be immense, as both teams prepare to face off in the tournament’s title decider. The match, set for Sunday, marks the culmination of a tournament where Australia and England have both maintained six-game unbeaten streaks, with the Australians advancing after a dominant eight-wicket victory over the West Indies in their semi-final. England, meanwhile, secured their place in the final with an undefeated run that included a semi-final triumph over South Africa. Litchfield, a key player for Australia, emphasized that the home advantage for England will amplify the pressure on the hosts, who are aiming for their second T20 World Cup title. England previously won the inaugural edition of the tournament at Lord’s in 2009. “I think so,” Litchfield said when asked if the pressure is squarely on England. “It’s weird. Pressure, it’s so fickle, right? It’s all what you feel, but I think as a home side, I don’t know what it feels like, but I think they’re probably just going to relish it. It’s going to be an amazing atmosphere out here.” She added that England’s fans will create a “superb match” regardless of the outcome, and that both teams are eager to deliver strong performances. The rivalry between Australia and England in the Women’s T20 World Cup is well-documented, with Australia claiming three of their six titles in finals against England (2012, 2014, 2018). The Aussies also hold a recent edge over England, having swept the T20I portion of the 2025 Ashes series 3-0.#australia #england #phoebe_litchfield #lord_s #icc_womens_t20_world_cup_final
How to Watch the World Cup Today: Schedule, Times, TV, Streaming for Messi's Argentina, Colombia, More Day 23 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup concluded the Round of 32, with Lionel Messi’s Argentina facing Cape Verde in a high-stakes matchup. The day’s action began in Dallas with Australia’s clash against Egypt, followed by matches in Miami and Kansas City. All games aired on FOX, with live and on-demand streaming available via FOX One. The Australia vs. Egypt match, held at Dallas Stadium, featured a tense atmosphere as both teams sought to advance. Australia, which advanced from Group D with four points, had secured a 2-0 victory over Türkiye before drawing with Paraguay. Egypt, however, entered the game with concerns over the fitness of captain Mohamed Salah, who suffered a hamstring strain in their group finale against Iran. Despite coach Hossam Hassan’s optimism about Salah’s availability, Egypt’s offense faced significant challenges without their star player. Neither team had ever won a World Cup knockout match, making the encounter a historic showdown. Australia’s goalkeeper, Patrick Beach, emerged as a key figure in the team’s campaign. Benched for the first game in favor of the inexperienced Beach, the 28-year-old made a stunning impact with a clean sheet against Türkiye and another in the draw with Paraguay. His performance would be critical if Australia were to progress. Meanwhile, Argentina’s Round of 32 clash against Cape Verde took center stage at Miami Stadium. The defending champions, led by Lionel Messi, had dominated Group J with a perfect record, scoring multiple goals in each of their three matches. Messi, now tied with other players for the tournament lead in goals, had already scored 19 World Cup goals at age 39, cementing his status as the tournament’s standout performer.#australia #lionel_messi #fox_sports #mohamed_salah #cape_verde
