Sandeep Lamichhane becomes fastest bowler to reach 150 ODI wickets Nepali leg-spinner Sandeep Lamichhane has set a new world record by becoming the fastest bowler to achieve 150 wickets in One Day International (ODI) cricket. The milestone was reached in just 73 ODI matches, surpassing the previous record held by Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc, who attained the same feat in 77 matches. Lamichhane accomplished this during Nepal’s ODI against the Scotland national cricket team at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground on Monday, May 18, 2026. In the match, Lamichhane claimed two wickets to break the long-standing record. By the end of 23 overs, Scotland were at 132 runs for the loss of five wickets. Lamichhane took three wickets, while fellow Nepali bowlers Dipendra Singh Airee and Lalit Rajbanshi each contributed one wicket. The achievement highlights Lamichhane’s consistency and effectiveness as a spinner in high-pressure international matches. This record marks the second time Lamichhane has set a world benchmark in ODI cricket. Earlier in April 2023, he became the fastest bowler to reach 100 ODI wickets, achieving the milestone in 42 matches. This surpassed the previous record held by Afghan spinner Rashid Khan, who had reached 100 wickets in 44 matches. Lamichhane’s rapid progression underscores his skill and adaptability in different formats of the game. The 28-year-old spinner’s success is a significant milestone for Nepali cricket, as it elevates the country’s profile on the global stage. His ability to maintain high performance levels over an extended period demonstrates his technical expertise and mental resilience.#rashid_khan #mitchell_starc #sandeep_lamichhane #tribhuvan_university_international_cricket_ground #scotland_national_cricket_team
Mitchell Starc Registers Most Expensive Over of His T20 Career Against Punjab Kings in IPL 2026 On May 11, 2026, during the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 match between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals in Dharamsala, Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc faced a challenging start to his innings, recording the most expensive first over of his T20 career. The match, which saw Delhi Capitals opt to bowl first after winning the toss, quickly turned into a test of Starc’s new-ball prowess as Punjab Kings’ opening pair, Priyansh Arya and Prabhsimran Singh, launched a relentless attack. Arya opened the scoring with a six over cover point on the first ball of the innings, immediately putting Starc under pressure. Despite managing to bowl two dot balls, the Australian pacer conceded five wides, which significantly inflated the total. Prabhsimran Singh then added to the scoreboard with a six and a boundary, culminating in a total of 22 runs for the over. This marked Starc’s most costly first over in a T20 match, surpassing his previous record of 15 runs in an opening over during IPL 2024 against Delhi Capitals. Starc’s performance in this over highlighted the aggressive approach of Punjab Kings’ opening duo, who have been one of the most dominant combinations in IPL 2026. The pair’s attacking style, characterized by their ability to score over 14 runs per over during the Power-play phase, proved effective against even the most experienced bowlers. Despite Starc’s reputation as one of the premier new-ball bowlers in cricket, the duo’s ability to exploit the conditions and target his deliveries left him struggling to contain the scoreboard. This outing added to the challenges faced by Starc in his recent IPL campaign.#delhi_capitals #mitchell_starc #punjab_kings #prabhsimran_singh #priyansh_arya
Riyan Parag's Focus on Team Over Controversy as Rajasthan Royals Lose to Delhi Capitals in IPL 2026 Rajasthan Royals captain Riyan Parag emphasized his commitment to the team’s success over personal controversies during a match against Delhi Capitals in IPL 2026. Despite delivering a stellar performance with 90 runs off 50 balls, the team fell short of victory, suffering a seven-wicket defeat. Parag’s innings, supported by Donovan Ferreira’s 47 not out, helped RR post 225 runs, but DC’s explosive batting and disciplined bowling turned the tide in their favor. The match, played on May 1, 2026, saw Delhi Capitals register their biggest-ever chase in IPL history, surpassing 225 runs. KL Rahul and Pathum Nissanka formed a formidable partnership, scoring 110 runs for the first wicket. Rahul’s 75 and Nissanka’s 62 were pivotal in securing the win, with Rahul named Player of the Match. DC’s victory marked a crucial point in their campaign, while RR’s loss highlighted lingering issues in their batting and bowling strategies. Parag, who faced scrutiny over a vaping controversy earlier in the season, reiterated his focus on the team’s performance. “My job is for the team, not to respond to critics,” he said after the match. The 31-year-old opener admitted that RR’s mid-over bowling struggles were the primary reason for the loss. “We lacked discipline in the middle overs, giving away too many boundaries in one over. That cost us the game,” he explained. The vaping controversy, which led to a 25% fine on Parag’s match fee, had overshadowed his form earlier in the tournament. Prior to this match, Parag had struggled, scoring just 117 runs in nine innings with a high score of 29. However, his innings against DC showcased his ability to bounce back, though it wasn’t enough to salvage the team’s fortunes.#delhi_capitals #mitchell_starc #riyan_parag #kl_rahul #pathum_nissanka
Delhi Capitals to Face Punjab Kings in Delhi; Lineups and Strategic Insights Delhi Capitals (DC) and Punjab Kings (PBKS) are set to face each other in a match at Delhi, with both teams retaining their unchanged lineups from previous games. DC captain Axar Patel won the toss and opted to bat on a 41-degree afternoon, while PBKS captain Shreyas Iyer described the toss as "inconsequential," noting his team had planned to bowl first regardless. The match will see DC take the initiative with their batting lineup, while PBKS will rely on their bowling strength. Both teams have maintained their core squads, though some new additions have joined DC. Australian pace bowler Mitchell Starc has linked up with DC but is not yet available for the game against Rajasthan Royals on May 1. England allrounder Rehan Ahmed has also joined DC’s squad as a replacement for his compatriot Rehan Ahmed. For DC, the strategy involves adapting to the conditions of the Delhi pitch, which Axar Patel described as dry. The team has named Auqib Nabi as their likely Impact Player for the bowling department, but they may also consider legspinner Vipraj Nigam if spin conditions favor. The Impact Sub bench includes Karun Nair, Dushmantha Chameera, Ashutosh Sharma, and Nabi, providing flexibility for tactical adjustments. Punjab Kings have identified Nehal Wadhera as their most probable Impact Sub for the chasing phase. The team’s bowling attack, led by Shreyas Iyer, will aim to exploit any weaknesses in DC’s batting order. PBKS’ Impact Sub bench features Harpreet Brar, Suryansh Shedge, Yash Thakur, and Vishnu Vinod, offering options to counter DC’s lineup. Delhi Capitals’ batting XI includes KL Rahul as the wicketkeeper, with Pathum Nissanka, Sameer Rizvi, Nitish Rana, David Miller, Tristan Stubbs, and Axar Patel in the middle order.#axar_patel #shreyas_iyer #delhi_capitals #mitchell_starc #punjab_kings
Mitchell Starc cleared to travel to India, hopeful of playing for DC in early May - ESPN Mitchell Starc, the Australian fast bowler, has been medically cleared to travel to India for the IPL 2026 after overcoming shoulder and elbow injuries. The 36-year-old is now hopeful of being available for Delhi Capitals (DC) ahead of their match against Rajasthan Royals (RR) on May 1. Starc, who has not played any cricket since late January, faced a prolonged recovery period following a heavy fall on his left shoulder and elbow while diving for a catch during a BBL match for Sydney Sixers in late January. Starc’s injury history dates back to the Ashes series, where he was the Player of the Series, taking 31 wickets at an average of 19.93 across five Tests. His workload during the Ashes, which included bowling 153.1 overs, contributed to lingering soreness when he returned to training in February. This delayed his arrival in India, leading to initial confusion about his absence from the IPL’s opening stages. Starc addressed the situation on social media, clarifying his injury status and expressing frustration over "heavily misinformed opinions" about his unavailability. Recent reports indicate Starc has had a pain-free week of bowling in Sydney, with plans to fly to India on Friday. However, he will require a period of acclimatisation and a gradual increase in bowling intensity before being considered fit for the May 1 contest in Jaipur. Cricket Australia officials have expressed optimism that he will be available for the remainder of the IPL season, provided there are no setbacks. The news coincides with the potential return of Australia’s Test and ODI captain, Pat Cummins, to the IPL.#ipl_2026 #rajasthan_royals #delhi_capitals #mitchell_starc #cricket_australia
Mitchell Starc Resumes Bowling, Axar Patel Awaits Clearance for IPL 2026 Mitchell Starc, the Australian fast bowler, has begun bowling sessions as he works toward full match fitness ahead of the IPL 2026, according to Delhi Capitals head coach Hemang Badani. Starc, who will miss the early stages of the tournament, is under scrutiny by Cricket Australia, which is monitoring the workload of key fast bowlers like Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins. Badani emphasized that the franchise’s ability to plan Starc’s return depends on Cricket Australia’s No Objection Certificate confirming his availability. “Until that clearance is received, we can’t finalize his inclusion in the squad,” Badani said. “Once it’s confirmed, we’ll determine his timeline and how to integrate him into the team strategy.” Delhi Capitals’ other overseas fast-bowling options include Kyle Jamieson, Lungi Ngidi, and Dushmantha Chameera. The team faces challenges in replacing Starc, who took 14 wickets in 11 games last season. Captain Axar Patel acknowledged the uncertainty but stressed the importance of balancing the squad based on match conditions and opposition. “If Starc isn’t available initially, we’ll adjust the team composition accordingly,” Patel said. “Whether we go with another left-arm option or tweak the lineup, decisions will depend on the situation. His availability isn’t ruled out if the clearance comes through.” The Capitals’ first IPL 2026 match is scheduled for April 1 against Lucknow Super Giants, giving them hope Starc could join the squad in time. Starc, retained for INR 11.75 crore by DC ahead of the 2026 auction, was Australia’s leading bowler during the Ashes series, playing all five Tests and winning the Player-of-the-Series award. His last appearance was with the Sydney Sixers in the BBL in January.#ipl_2026 #delhi_capitals #mitchell_starc #cricket_australia #hemang_badani
"Congested schedule": Mo Bobat flags busy calendar for IPL 2026 injury concerns The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 is facing a significant challenge as multiple fast bowlers from top franchises are expected to miss the opening phase of the tournament due to injuries. Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) will be without their pace spearhead Josh Hazlewood, while other key players such as Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, and Nathan Ellis are also sidelined. RCB’s Director of Cricket, Mo Bobat, has highlighted the impact of an increasingly packed cricket calendar, which he believes is contributing to the injury crisis. Bobat emphasized that the congested schedule is a growing concern for teams and players alike. “Any of us who follow cricket know how challenging that is,” he said at a press conference on March 24. “It’s not ideal, both on a domestic and international level.” He acknowledged the difficulty of managing player availability in such a demanding environment, noting that teams losing key players late in preparations face significant planning challenges. The situation has raised concerns about the sustainability of the current cricket calendar, which sees players competing in multiple formats and international fixtures throughout the year. Bobat stressed the importance of maintaining open communication with international cricket bodies and medical teams to mitigate risks. “We try and control the controllables as much as we can,” he said. “Having strong relationships with organizations like Cricket Australia has been crucial in managing these situations.” RCB’s medical team, along with collaboration with global cricket authorities, has played a vital role in addressing player injuries. However, Bobat admitted there is no immediate solution to the problem of a packed schedule.#royal_challengers_bengaluru #pat_cummins #mitchell_starc #josh_hazlewood #mo_bobat
Australians at the IPL - Fitness watch for Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, eyes on Cameron Green The 2026 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) kicks off on March 28, with a significant number of Australian players set to join the tournament following the conclusion of their domestic season. The article outlines the availability and current status of several key Australian cricketers ahead of the competition. Mitchell Starc, Australia’s most durable fast bowler, is expected to miss the early stages of the IPL due to workload management concerns. Despite a strong Ashes campaign, Cricket Australia is cautious about his availability for the 20 Tests scheduled between August 2026 and August 2027. His return to Delhi Capitals remains uncertain. Pat Cummins, Australia’s Test captain, will be absent for the first half of the IPL after recovering from a lumbar stress injury. He has been training in India but is targeting a full return for the knockout stages in late May. Ishan Kishan has been named stand-in captain for Sunrisers Hyderabad during Cummins’ absence. Travis Head, part of the Travishek double act with David Warner, faces a challenging IPL after a lean T20 season. He aims to replicate his 2024 IPL form with Sunrisers Hyderabad. Cameron Green, the most expensive overseas player in IPL history, joins Kolkata Knight Riders after a difficult summer, including a terse exchange with a journalist and poor form in Tests and T20Is. Josh Hazlewood, recovering from a hamstring injury, will miss the start of the IPL after missing the Ashes and T20 World Cup. Tim David, sidelined by hamstring issues, hopes for a full season with Royal Challengers Bangalore after missing the 2025 IPL. Matt Short, dropped from Australia’s World Cup squad, joins Chennai Super Kings after a poor run of form and injury.#indian_premier_league #pat_cummins #mitchell_starc #josh_hazlewood #cameron_green
Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood to Miss Early IPL 2026 Matches Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood are expected to miss the opening matches of the IPL 2026 tournament as Cricket Australia (CA) continues to monitor the workload of its top fast bowlers ahead of a demanding cricket calendar. The decision means Starc, who plays for Delhi Capitals, and Hazlewood, representing Royal Challengers Bengaluru, will join a growing list of Australian cricketers unavailable for part or all of the IPL season. This follows the earlier exclusion of Pat Cummins from Sunrisers Hyderabad’s initial fixtures, as well as the full absence of Nathan Ellis (Chennai Super Kings) and Jack Edwards (Sunrisers Hyderabad) on Friday. Cummins, who played only one Test during the Australian summer due to a stress injury in his back, has been sidelined since July 2025. His sole representative appearance came in the third Ashes Test in December, marking his first game since the West Indies series in July 2025. Hazlewood, meanwhile, missed the entire Ashes series due to hamstring and Achilles injuries. While he participated in some white-ball matches against South Africa, India, and New Zealand in 2025, as well as a Sheffield Shield game in November, he has remained largely absent from competitive cricket over the past several months. Starc, Australia’s leading bowler in the Ashes series, played all five Tests and was awarded Player-of-the-Series for his 31 wickets, which helped secure Australia’s 4-1 victory. He also featured in the Big Bash League (BBL) toward the end of the season. However, Starc’s absence from the T20 World Cup in February-March 2026 is notable, as he had retired from T20 internationals.#royal_challengers_bengaluru #delhi_capitals #mitchell_starc #josh_hazlewood #cricket_australia
Taskin Ahmed's Record-Breaking Bowling Earns ESPNcricinfo Annual Awards Recognition Bangladesh pacer Taskin Ahmed has been honored with a spot in ESPNcricinfo’s annual awards for individual performances in 2025. The accolade was awarded for his outstanding bowling display during the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), where he delivered a seven-wicket haul for just 19 runs against Dhaka Capital. This performance, which dismantled Dhaka Capital’s batting lineup, is being hailed as one of the best in BPL history and earned him the men’s T20 leagues best bowling performance award. Taskin’s spell of taking 7 wickets for 19 runs in a single innings showcased his dominance and precision, marking a significant milestone in his career. The achievement highlights his ability to deliver under pressure and his growing reputation as a key player in franchise cricket. His performance not only secured him a place in the awards but also underscored the competitive nature of the BPL and the high standards required to excel in T20 leagues. The ESPNcricinfo awards recognized excellence across multiple categories, with cricketers from various nations receiving honors for their contributions to international and franchise cricket. South Africa’s Aiden Markram claimed the men’s Test batting award for his 136-run innings against Australia in the World Test Championship final, while Australia’s Mitchell Starc took the Test bowling award for a 7-wicket haul against England in the Ashes. In the ODI category, Afghanistan’s Ibrahim Zadran won the batting award for his 177-run innings, and India’s Varun Chakravarthy secured the bowling honor for his 5-wicket performance against New Zealand.#espn_cricinfo #taskin_ahmed #bangladesh_premier_league #dhaka_capital #mitchell_starc
