India Cricket Team's September 2026 Schedule Revealed: T20I and ODI Matches Against Afghanistan and West Indies, Asian Games Quarterfinals The Indian cricket team has unveiled its schedule for September 2026, which includes four T20 International matches and two One Day International (ODI) games. The schedule also features the Asian Games quarterfinal, which will take place during the same month. Following a Test series victory against Sri Lanka, the team will focus exclusively on limited-overs cricket in September. The T20I series against Afghanistan will be played from September 13 to 17 at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi. The matches are scheduled for 7:30 PM IST on September 13, 15, and 17. After a 17-day break, the team will face West Indies in a three-match ODI series starting on September 27. The first ODI will be held at the Greenfield International Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram on September 27 at 2:00 PM IST. The second ODI will take place on September 30 at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati, and the third match will be on October 3 at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in New Chandigarh. The Asian Games cricket tournament, hosted in Nagoya, Japan, will also see India compete in the quarterfinals. The team is set to play its second quarterfinal on September 18, though the opponent has not been finalized. The tournament has faced scrutiny over its organization, prompting concerns from the Pakistan Cricket Board, BCCI, and the Asian Cricket Council (ACC). The ACC has decided to send representatives to Nagoya to investigate the arrangements. The ODI series against West Indies will see the absence of key players like Shreyas Iyer, Ishan Kishan, Hardik Pandya, and Jasprit Bumrah due to their participation in the Asian Games.#west_indies #afghanistan #acc #india_cricket_team #asian_games
West Indies suffer major ODI World Cup blow, miss direct qualification for 2027 showpiece The West Indies have been denied a direct pathway to the 2027 ICC Men’s ODI World Cup after Afghanistan secured their place in the tournament with a decisive victory over Ireland. The result, which came in a rain-affected second ODI of their five-match series at Bready Cricket Club, sealed Afghanistan’s qualification and left the West Indies unable to break into the top-nine ODI rankings before the September 30, 2026, cut-off date. This marks the third consecutive World Cup where the West Indies have had to navigate the qualifiers to reach the global tournament, a trend that has raised concerns about the team’s current standing in international cricket. The 2027 World Cup, set to be hosted across South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia in October and November, will see co-hosts South Africa and Zimbabwe automatically qualify. The remaining seven direct spots are determined by the ICC ODI rankings, with the top nine teams securing entry. The West Indies, currently ranked 10th, fell short of the required position, trailing behind Afghanistan (8th), Bangladesh (9th), and Zimbabwe (11th), who already secured an automatic spot as a co-host. This outcome means the West Indies will once again have to compete in the qualifiers, a route they have taken in previous World Cup cycles. The team’s qualification struggles are part of a broader decline in their global competitiveness. The West Indies failed to secure direct entry for the 2019 and 2023 World Cups as well. While they managed to qualify for the 2019 tournament through the qualifiers, they were eliminated in the 2023 qualifiers, missing the main event in India.#south_africa #zimbabwe #west_indies #afghanistan #icc_odis_world_cup
2027 World Cup Qualifier Schedule Announced, 10 Teams Compete The International Cricket Council (ICC) has released the schedule for the 2027 One-Day International (ODI) World Cup Qualifier, which will take place from February 22 to March 23, 2027. The tournament will feature 10 teams, with the winner securing a direct entry into the main World Cup event. The top three finishers will also qualify for a Super Series, which will serve as part of the World Cup tournament. The World Cup itself is set to be hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia from October 4 to November 21, 2027. The qualifier format has been designed to ensure competitive balance, with teams qualifying through a combination of rankings and regional participation. The ICC Full Members will send their lowest-ranked teams based on the ODI rankings as of September 30, 2026, while the top four teams from the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup League 2 (CWC 2) will also join the qualifier. The qualifier will include a playoff stage, where the top four teams from the CWC 2 League and the qualifier’s playoff round will compete. The winners of this playoff will gain entry to the World Cup. The structure ensures that teams with lower rankings have a chance to qualify, while also giving the top-performing teams from regional leagues a platform to showcase their talent. Notably, the West Indies face a critical challenge in securing a direct qualification spot. As of now, the team is ranked 10th in the ODI rankings, with only two matches remaining before the September 30 cutoff date. To qualify directly, the West Indies must win both matches, which would elevate their ranking to within the top eight. However, their qualification also depends on the outcome of the Afghanistan vs. Ireland series.#icc #south_africa #namibia #zimbabwe #west_indies
West Indies Face Uncertain Path to 2027 ODI World Cup The West Indies cricket team is at a critical juncture as it contends with the possibility of missing out on direct qualification for the 2027 ODI World Cup. The team, currently ranked 10th in the ICC ODI rankings, faces a daunting challenge to secure a spot in the top eight by September 30, 2026, the cutoff date for automatic qualification. With only two ODI matches remaining before the deadline, the Caribbean side must navigate a complex web of results both within and beyond its own schedule. The ICC’s qualification rules stipulate that teams finishing in the top eight of the ODI rankings as of September 30 will bypass the qualifier and secure a direct berth in the 2027 World Cup. However, West Indies’ position is precarious. Their upcoming fixtures against India in September 2026 will play a pivotal role. Winning both matches is essential, but even a strong performance may not guarantee qualification. The team’s fate is also intertwined with the outcomes of other teams, particularly Ireland and Afghanistan, whose results could influence the rankings. Ireland’s upcoming five-match ODI series against Afghanistan is a key factor. If Ireland triumphs decisively—such as a 5-0 or 4-1 victory—it could climb the rankings, potentially pushing West Indies further down. Conversely, a poor showing by Ireland or Afghanistan might create opportunities for the West Indies to secure a top-eight spot. However, the series has already faced disruptions, with the first match canceled due to rain, adding uncertainty to the equation. If West Indies fail to qualify directly, they will face the ODI World Cup qualifier in February-March 2027.#icc #india #south_africa #west_indies #odi_world_cup_2027
आयरलैंड के लिए विलेन बारिश, ODI वर्ल्ड कप 2027 की डायरेक्ट एंट्री का सपना चकनाचूर अफगानिस्तान के खिलाफ पहला वनडे मुकाबला बिना एक भी गेंद फेंके रद्द हो गया, जिसके कारण आयरलैंड की 2027 ICC पुरुष वनडे वर्ल्ड कप के लिए सीधे क्वालिफाई करने की आखिरी उम्मीद खत्म हो गई। अब टीम को ICC वर्ल्ड कप क्वालिफायर खेलना पड़ेगा, जिसे जीतकर वह 12 देशों वाले वर्ल्ड कप में जगह बना सकती है। आयरलैंड वर्तमान में ICC वनडे रैंकिंग में 12वें स्थान पर है। टीम के पास डायरेक्ट क्वालिफिकेशन हासिल करने के लिए अफगानिस्तान के खिलाफ पांच मैचों की सीरीज 5-0 से जीतना था। लेकिन ब्रीडी (यूके) में खेले जाने वाले मुकाबले के लिए बारिश के कारण खेल रद्द हो गया। इस घटना के बाद आयरलैंड के डायरेक्ट क्वालिफिकेशन की संभावना पूरी तरह समाप्त हो गई। इसके अलावा, यह आवश्यक था कि वेस्टइंडीज भारत के खिलाफ बची दोनों वनडे मुकाबले हार जाए। तभी आयरलैंड रैंकिंग में अफगानिस्तान, वेस्टइंडीज और जिम्बाब्वे को पीछे छोड़कर सीधे 2027 वर्ल्ड कप में जगह बना सकता था। लेकिन पहला मैच रद्द होने के बाद यह संभावना खत्म हो गई। ICC के तय क्वालिफिकेशन सिस्टम के तहत 10 टीमों वाला वर्ल्ड कप क्वालिफायर खेला जाएगा। इस टूर्नामेंट की विजेता टीम सीधे 12 देशों वाले 2027 वनडे वर्ल्ड कप के लिए क्वालिफाई करेगी। दूसरे, तीसरे और चौथे स्थान पर रहने वाली टीमें वर्ल्ड कप सुपर सीरीज में पहुंचेंगी, जहां इन तीन टीमों के बीच मुकाबला होगा और इनमें से केवल एक टीम को मुख्य वर्ल्ड कप का आखिरी टिकट मिलेगा। क्वालिफायर में साउथ अफ्रीका और जिम्बाब्वे (मेजबान होने के कारण बाहर) को छोड़कर ICC वनडे रैंकिंग की दो सबसे निचली फुल मेंबर टीमें हिस्सा लेंगी। इनके अलावा ICC वर्ल्ड कप लीग-2 की टॉप चार टीमें और वर्ल्ड कप क्वालिफायर प्लेऑफ से आने वाली चार टीमें भी इस टूर्नामेंट में खेलेंगी। वर्ल्ड कप क्वालिफायर प्लेऑफ में लीग-2 की सबसे निचली चार टीमें और चैलेंज लीग से आने वाली चार टीमें हिस्सा लेंगी, जिसकी टॉप चार टीमें मुख्य वर्ल्ड कप क्वालिफायर में पहुंचेंगी। ICC चैलेंज लीग में कुल 12 टीमें हैं, जिन्हें छह-छह टीमों के दो ग्रुप में बांटा गय...#icc #west_indies #ireland #afganistan #world_cup_2027
Shafique breaks 49-year drought as Pakistan take control Abdullah Shafique etched his name into Pakistan cricket history by becoming the first player from the nation to score over 150 runs in a Test match against the West Indies in the Caribbean since Majid Khan’s 167 in Guyana in 1977. His unbeaten 160* helped Pakistan post a commanding total of 387 in the first innings, giving them a 43-run lead over the hosts in the second ICC World Test Championship match at Queen’s Park Oval in Trinidad. The performance marked a pivotal moment in the two-Test series, as Pakistan sought to level the contest after a 90-run defeat in the opener. Shafique’s innings was characterized by fluidity and aggression, with the right-handed batsman hitting 15 fours and three sixes to dominate the West Indies attack. His achievement placed him among the elite group of Pakistan batters to score over 150 in the region, joining the ranks of Hanif Mohammad (1958), Wazir Mohammad (1958), Majid Khan (1977), and Saeed Ahmed (1958) in the historical table. The innings not only showcased his individual brilliance but also provided Pakistan with a platform to build a strong foundation for the second innings. The West Indies struggled to respond, with their bowlers failing to contain the Pakistan middle order. Sajid Khan played a crucial role in restricting the hosts, claiming four wickets to reduce the West Indies to 103/6 at the close of the third day. The collapse left the Caribbean side reeling, with their top order unable to capitalize on the early opportunities. Despite the setback, West Indies fast bowler Jomel Warrican chipped in with a disciplined performance, taking 6/112 to keep Pakistan’s batting intact.#pakistan #west_indies #icc_world_test_championship #abduallah_shafique #queen_s_park_oval
Justin Greaves Sets New Cricket Bowling Record with Five Wicket Maidens West Indies all-rounder Justin Greaves etched his name into Test cricket history on July 27, 2026, by becoming the first bowler in the recorded era to take wickets in five consecutive maiden overs during the opening Test against Pakistan in Tarouba, Trinidad and Tobago. The 32-year-old Barbadian claimed five wickets for 27 runs on the third day of the match, delivering a pivotal spell that shifted the momentum in favor of the host team. His performance helped Pakistan collapse from 244-3 to 267-8 at lunch, before a dramatic further collapse saw the visitors bowled out for 282, trailing West Indies by 29 runs in the first innings. Greaves’ achievement surpassed the previous record of four consecutive wicket maidens, set by former England fast bowler Stuart Broad in 2016. Playing in his 17th Test, the all-rounder achieved the feat while contributing to a historic innings for the West Indies. Pakistan’s first-innings total of 311 was matched by the hosts’ reply, with Greaves’ spell playing a crucial role in securing a lead of 155 runs heading into the fourth day. The match unfolded with Pakistan in a strong position at 244-3, as opener Shan Masood reached a century. However, Greaves’ intervention triggered a dramatic collapse. He dismissed Masood for 109 in the 54th over, followed by consecutive maidens in the next two overs. In the 56th over, he removed Aamer Jamal, Ali Usman, and Mohammad Rizwan without conceding a single run, leaving Pakistan struggling at 267-8. Greaves completed the historic feat after the break by dismissing Mohammad Abbas, securing his fifth wicket in five consecutive overs. Speaking after the innings, Greaves expressed his satisfaction with the achievement while emphasizing the need for continued improvement.#pakistan #west_indies #stuart_broad #justin_greaves #tarouba
Justin Greaves' Stunning Five-Wicket Haul Propels West Indies in First Test Against Pakistan On day three of the first Test between the West Indies and Pakistan at Tarouba, all-rounder Justin Greaves delivered a masterclass performance, taking five wickets without conceding a single run in a spell of bowling that will be remembered for its precision and composure. The 32-year-old Barbadian, playing his 17th Test, achieved his maiden five-wicket haul, dismantling Pakistan’s batting lineup and helping his team secure a dominant position in the match. Greaves’ figures of 5-27 eclipsed his previous best of 3-39 against Sri Lanka earlier this year, marking a significant milestone in his career. The West Indies had earlier posted a strong first innings total of 311, with opener Shimron Hetmyer scoring 92 and leg-spinner Devendra Bishan Ali taking four wickets for 50 runs. Pakistan responded with a total of 282, but Greaves’ relentless spell turned the tide. His five consecutive wicket maidens, achieved after bowling six overs earlier in the day for 27 runs without success, showcased his ability to adapt and execute under pressure. The West Indies’ lead of 155 runs entering the final day of the Test left the series in a precarious balance, with Pakistan needing to rebuild their innings. Greaves’ performance began with the dismissal of former Pakistan captain Shan Masood, who was bowled for 109 in the 64th over. The Barbadian had pushed the ball wide to the left-handed batsman from over the wicket, forcing Masood to play down the wrong line before he inside-edged the delivery onto his stumps. The momentum shifted quickly as Greaves continued his dominance, with Aamer Jamal losing his middle stump in the next over after a seaming delivery speared through his defenses.#pakistan #west_indies #shimron_hetmyer #justin_greaves #tarouba
Pakistan Omit Mohammad Abbas in Second Test Amid Conditions Concerns Pakistan’s decision to bench Mohammad Abbas for the second Test against the West Indies sparked widespread speculation, with captain Babar Azam attributing the move to the nature of the pitch. The omission of Abbas, their most effective bowler in the first Test, overshadowed other selection changes, as the team sought to adapt to the conditions of the venue. Abbas, who had delivered a five-wicket haul in the opening Test, was left out despite his consistent performance over the past year, including eight wickets in the first match. Babar clarified that the decision was not due to any injury or form issues but rather the state of the pitch. He stated that the slow, low-paced surface would have diminished Abbas’s effectiveness, especially since the team opted to include two spinners—Sajid Khan—in the XI. Abbas, known for his ability to exploit pace and movement, typically operates in the mid-120s range, and the team likely felt a slower wicket would further reduce his impact. In contrast, Pakistan introduced Ubaid Shah, a fast bowler making his Test debut, and retained Mohammad Ali as the sole other seamer. However, Ali’s pace remains relatively low, with a ceiling of around 130s, making Abbas the clear choice in a direct comparison. Since his return to the team in December 2024, Abbas has been Pakistan’s most prolific pace bowler in Tests, taking 28 wickets at an average of 20.32. His economy rate of 2.86 has also been significantly better than Ali’s 3.63. Abbas’s adaptability to different conditions has been a key factor in his success. In six Tests in the UAE, he has taken 27 wickets at an average of 17.55, his best performance in any nation where he has played multiple Tests.#pakistan #west_indies #babar_azam #mohammad_abbas #sajid_khan
Joshua Bishop: From Emerging to Elite; Left Arm Spinner Eyes the Big Stage Joshua Bishop, a 26-year-old Barbadian left-arm spinner, is on the cusp of achieving a major milestone in his cricketing career after being selected for the West Indies Test squad for the two-match series against Pakistan in Trinidad. The call-up marks the culmination of years of dedication, perseverance, and consistent performances in regional cricket, where he has established himself as one of the Caribbean’s most dependable spinners. Bishop’s inclusion in the squad represents a significant step forward in his journey from an emerging talent to a potential elite player on the global stage. Bishop’s rise to prominence has been defined by his ability to maintain composure under pressure and his unwavering commitment to his craft. Over the past three West Indies Championship seasons, he has claimed an impressive 91 wickets for the Barbados Pride and the West Indies Academy, a record that solidifies his status as the most successful bowler during that period. His performance in regional competitions has not only earned him recognition but also paved the way for his international opportunity. The left-arm spinner, who credits patience as one of his greatest strengths on the field, has applied the same mindset to his career. After years of waiting for his moment, Bishop expressed immense joy at finally receiving the call to represent the West Indies. “It’s definitely an amazing feeling to be honest to be called to represent West Indies, because it is something that I dreamt of from a kid, and it really means everything to me knowing the happiness that it brought to me and my family to receive that call,” he said.#west_indies #barbados #joshua_bishop #west_indies_academy #trinidad
Daren Sammy Aims for Momentum as West Indies Target ICC World Test Championship Climb The West Indies cricket team, under the leadership of head coach Daren Sammy, is seeking to build on recent momentum as it prepares for a crucial Test series against Pakistan. Sammy, who has faced a series of challenging fixtures against Australia, India, and New Zealand since taking charge, emphasized that the team’s recent 1-0 home victory over Sri Lanka could serve as a turning point. The win, which came in difficult conditions, has provided a psychological boost, but Sammy stressed that the focus remains on long-term development rather than short-term success. Sammy reflected on the demanding early phase of his tenure, highlighting the physical and mental toll of the initial Test series against Australia, India, and New Zealand. “When I took on this job, the first three Test series we had were really challenging,” he said. “Australia here in difficult conditions, West Indies in India, West Indies in New Zealand. Phew! That was three really challenging ones.” He acknowledged the need for the players to adapt and refine their strategies, noting that the Sri Lanka series marked a pivotal moment in the team’s evolution. The head coach emphasized a methodical approach to coaching, prioritizing alignment with the team’s vision and the input of key stakeholders, including the director, captain, and players. “My process has always been simple: understand the direction we want to go, have conversations with the director, the captain, and the players, and figure out how to achieve it,” Sammy explained. “That’s why I remain calm—because I know what we’re trying to accomplish as a group, not the noise from the outside.#pakistan #west_indies #icc_world_test_championship #sir_garfield_sobers #daren_sammy
The Great Era Has Passed: West Indies' Jambavan Sir Garfield Sobers Passes Away Sir Garfield Sobers, widely regarded as one of the greatest all-rounders in cricket history, passed away at the age of 89. The news of his death has sent shockwaves through the global cricketing community, with players and fans from around the world expressing their deep sorrow and tributes. Born on July 28, 1936, in Barbados, Sobers was a towering figure in the sport, known for his extraordinary skills across batting, bowling, and fielding. His legacy as a cricketer remains unmatched, with his contributions to the game celebrated across generations. Sobers made his Test debut for the West Indies at the age of 17, quickly establishing himself as a key player. Over the course of his career, he played 93 Test matches, scoring 8,032 runs at an average of 57.78. His batting prowess was complemented by his bowling, where he took 235 wickets as a left-arm fast and spin bowler. Additionally, he showcased his fielding brilliance with 109 catches to his name. His ability to excel in all facets of the game made him a rare and formidable talent. One of Sobers' most iconic achievements came in 1958 when he scored an unprecedented 365 runs against Pakistan, a record that stood as the highest individual score in Test cricket for decades. This innings not only highlighted his batting genius but also solidified his place in the annals of the sport. Another remarkable feat was his record of hitting six sixes in a single over during a 1968 match, a feat that remains unmatched to this day. These performances underscored his status as a revolutionary player who redefined the possibilities of the game. Beyond his on-field accomplishments, Sobers was honored for his contributions to cricket.#west_indies #indian_cricket_team #barbados #garfield_sobers #wisden_centuries
Legendary West Indies Cricketer Sir Clyde Walcott Passes Away at 89 The world of cricket mourned the loss of Sir Clyde Walcott, the iconic all-rounder from the West Indies, who passed away at the age of 89 due to health complications. His death has sent shockwaves through the cricketing community, with fans and fellow players paying tribute to his unparalleled contributions to the sport. Walcott, who played for the West Indies from 1954 to 1974, was celebrated as one of the greatest all-rounders in cricket history, known for his extraordinary skills in batting, bowling, and fielding. Walcott’s career was marked by extraordinary achievements that redefined the boundaries of the game. As a batsman, he scored an impressive 8,032 runs in 93 Test matches, with an average of 57.78, including 26 centuries. His batting prowess was complemented by his bowling, where he took 235 wickets across formats, showcasing his ability to dominate with both left-arm fast and leg-spin deliveries. One of his most legendary feats was hitting six sixes in a single over during a match, a record that remains unmatched and stands as a testament to his extraordinary talent. Beyond his statistics, Walcott’s impact on cricket extended far beyond the pitch. He was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in recognition of his services to the sport, a rare honor that underscored his status as a national treasure. His legacy is also reflected in the tributes from cricketing legends such as Sachin Tendulkar, Sunil Gavaskar, and others, who hailed him as a pioneer who redefined the game’s standards. The International Cricket Council (ICC) also expressed its condolences, acknowledging his enduring influence on the sport. Walcott’s passing marks the end of an era for cricket.#international_cricket_council #west_indies #sachin_tendulkar #queen_elizabeth_ii #sir_clyde_walcott
Garry Sobers: The Greatest All-Rounder in Cricket History Garry Sobers, the legendary West Indies cricketer, is widely regarded as the greatest all-rounder in the sport’s history. His career spanned over a decade, during which he combined extraordinary batting, bowling, and fielding skills to dominate the game. Sobers’ ability to deliver victories with flair and grace made him a defining figure in cricket’s golden era. His legacy is marked by record-breaking performances, a unique blend of technical brilliance and natural talent, and an enduring influence on the sport. Sobers’ batting was hailed as sublime, with his ability to score runs with ease and flair. One of his most iconic innings came in 1972 when he scored 254 for the Rest of the World against Australia in Melbourne. This performance left even the legendary Don Bradman in awe, with Bradman declaring it “probably the best ever seen in Australia.” Sobers’ batting prowess was further highlighted by his record-breaking triple century against Pakistan in Kingston in 1958. In that innings, he scored 337 runs, surpassing Len Hutton’s previous record. He hit 38 fours and no sixes, an unusual trait for a player who would later become the first to hit six sixes in a first-class over. Beyond his batting, Sobers’ bowling was equally exceptional. He was a versatile bowler, capable of delivering orthodox finger-spin, wrist-spin, and pace bowling. His ability to adapt his style made him a formidable opponent, particularly against the likes of Geoffrey Boycott. His fielding, especially at short leg, was also renowned, with his reflexes and positioning making him a key asset in the West Indies’ fast-paced, attacking style of play.#west_indies #geoffrey_boycott #garry_sobers #don_bradman #trevor_bailey
Legendary West Indies Cricketer Sir Garfield Sobers Dies at 89 Sir Garfield Sobers, a legendary all-rounder for the West Indies, has died at the age of 89. Regarded as one of the greatest cricketers of all time, Sobers played 93 Test matches between 1954 and 1974, scoring 8,032 runs and taking 235 wickets. A left-handed batter, he famously scored 365 not out against Pakistan in 1958, a record that stood for 36 years. He was also a versatile bowler, capable of both spin and seam deliveries. Sobers represented his home island of Barbados, the West Indies, Nottinghamshire, and South Australia. He made his first-class debut for Barbados at 16 and was capped by the West Indies at 17. Initially more successful as a bowler, he later became a prolific batter, scoring 26 Test centuries and finishing his career with a batting average of 57.78. His first-class career yielded 28,314 runs, including 7,041 for Nottinghamshire, and he took 1,043 first-class wickets. During his time with Nottinghamshire in 1968, Sobers became the first player to hit six sixes in an over in a first-class match. He was knighted in 1975 for his services to cricket and named one of Wisden’s five cricketers of the 20th century. His career spanned a transformative era for West Indies cricket, and he captained the team from 1965 to 1972. He also led Rest of the World XIs during tours of England and Australia. Sobers’ passing prompted tributes from cricketing circles. Cricket West Indies president Kishore Shallow called him “the greatest cricketer the world has ever seen,” emphasizing his mastery of batting, bowling, and fielding. Shallow noted that Sobers’ achievements extended beyond the field, as he became a symbol of Caribbean resilience and possibility.#west_indies #cricket_west_indies #barbados #nottinghamshire #sir_garfield_sobers
West Indies Select Teen Wrist Spinner for New Zealand ODIs The West Indies cricket team has announced the inclusion of 19-year-old left-arm wrist spinner Vitel Lawes in its 15-player squad for the opening three One Day Internationals (ODIs) of a five-match home series against New Zealand. The decision marks Lawes' first call-up to the senior team, following his standout performances in the ICC Under-19 World Cup earlier this year. The series, to be played across Guyana and Barbados, serves as a crucial preparation step for the West Indies ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup. Lawes, who has been training with the senior squad since the preparatory camp ahead of the ongoing home season, finished the U19 World Cup with 10 wickets and bowled the most dot balls in the tournament. His performances caught the attention of the coaching staff, leading to his inclusion in the ODI squad. To support his transition to international cricket, spin-bowling coach Nikita Miller has been added to the team management for the Guyana leg of the series, where he will work closely with Lawes to refine his skills. Head coach Daren Sammy emphasized the importance of the New Zealand series in the team's development. "Every series we play from here on leading up to the 50 Over World Cup, we view them as must-win scenarios," Sammy stated. "The matches against New Zealand provide the best opportunity for us to continue our improvement as an ODI unit while winning more matches for the people of the Caribbean." He further highlighted the strategic value of Lawes' inclusion, noting that the team aims to expose players who can complement the squad in conditions that suit their strengths. The squad will assemble in Guyana on July 8 after the conclusion of the Test series against Sri Lanka in Antigua.#new_zealand #west_indies #guyana #barbados #vitel_lawes
Jayden Lennox claims maiden five-fer to help New Zealand level series New Zealand’s spin quartet delivered a dominant performance in the second One-Day International (ODI) against the West Indies, securing a five-wicket victory in Guyana and evening the three-match series. Jayden Lennox, making his ODI debut, claimed a career-best five-wicket haul of 5 for 19, while Mitchell Santner and Michael Bracewell each took two wickets to dismantle the West Indies batting lineup. The visitors’ spinners accounted for nine of the 10 wickets as the West Indies were bowled out for a meager 138 in 36 overs. New Zealand chased the target with ease, finishing at 141/5 in 32.4 overs, with Tom Latham and Will Young anchoring the innings. The West Indies innings began with a promising 63-run partnership between John Campbell (43) and Ackeem Auguste (18), but the spinners quickly shifted the momentum. Auguste was dismissed for 18 after edging a Michael Bracewell delivery to point, while Campbell was bowled by Santner for 43 after a late attempt to pull an arm ball. Lennox then struck in quick succession, removing Shai Hope and Sherfane Rutherford, before Santner bowled Keacy Carty to leave the West Indies at 108 for 5. The spinners continued to dominate, with Lennox bowling Gudakesh Motie and Matthew Forde, and Santner dismissing Amir Jangoo lbw. Alzarri Joseph was run out, and Vitel Lawes was lbw to Lennox, sealing the West Indies’ innings. New Zealand’s chase was marked by a steady start from Will Young, who scored 28 off 31 balls with five fours. However, Joseph trapped Young in front, and Mark Chapman was run out without scoring. Henry Nicholls steadied the innings with a 42-run partnership with Daryl Mitchell, capitalizing on boundary opportunities and maintaining strike rotation.#new_zealand #west_indies #mitchell_santner #michael_bracewell #jayden_lennox
New Zealand Triumphs in Thrilling ODI Against West Indies at Providence New Zealand secured a dramatic five-wicket victory over the West Indies in the second One-Day International (ODI) at Providence on July 13, 2026. The match, part of New Zealand’s tour of the West Indies, saw the Black Caps chase down a target of 139 runs in 32.4 overs, finishing at 141/5. The victory came after a tense and competitive encounter, with New Zealand’s bowlers delivering a clinical performance to dismantle the West Indies’ batting lineup. The West Indies innings began with a strong start, as John Campbell and Ackeem Auguste added 50 runs for the first wicket. However, New Zealand’s spinners, particularly Jayden Lennox, took charge in the middle overs. Lennox, who bowled 8 overs, claimed five crucial wickets, including key dismissals of Shai Hope, Sherfane Rutherford, and Amir Jangoo. His final over, which ended the innings, saw him dismiss Alzarri Joseph and Vitel Lawes, sealing the West Indies’ fate. The West Indies’ total of 138/10 came with the loss of all 10 wickets, falling to a combination of pace and spin. New Zealand’s batting was equally impressive, with Tom Latham and Michael Bracewell anchoring the innings. Latham, who remained not out on 37 runs, and Bracewell, who scored 24, provided stability at the crease. Henry Nicholls and Will Young contributed 17 and 28 runs respectively, while Daryl Mitchell added 28. The innings was marked by a few dramatic moments, including the dismissal of Mark Chapman, who was run out by a sharp throw from Khary Pierre. The match was a testament to New Zealand’s resilience and tactical discipline. The Black Caps’ bowlers, led by Lennox’s five-wicket haul, kept the West Indies under pressure throughout.#new_zealand #west_indies #providence #john_campbell #ackeem_auguste
New Zealand Skipper Backs Jacob Duffy to Lead Pace Attack in Windies ODIs Mitchell Santner has expressed confidence in Jacob Duffy’s ability to lead New Zealand’s pace attack during the upcoming ODI series against the West Indies, emphasizing the seamer’s readiness to take on the responsibility of guiding a youthful bowling unit. The Black Caps’ skipper highlighted Duffy’s consistent performances over the past few years, noting that the 31-year-old has earned the opportunity to step into the role of senior pace option after the absence of key players due to Test commitments and injury. Duffy, who missed New Zealand’s Test tour of England on paternity leave, returns to the ODI squad as the most experienced pace bowler available. With first-choice quicks Matt Henry, Will O’Rourke, and Kyle Jamieson rested following their recent Test duties, and Ben Sears ruled out due to injury, Duffy’s inclusion is crucial for the Black Caps’ depth. The pace attack for the series also features Nathan Smith, Kristian Clarke, uncapped Matt Fisher, and Ben Lister, who was called up as Sears’ replacement. Santner acknowledged the challenges of managing workload across five ODIs scheduled in a short timeframe, particularly in the demanding Caribbean conditions. He noted that Duffy’s excitement to return to action after time away from the game will be tempered by the need to balance performance with recovery. “We’ve got five games in a short amount of time and that’s going to be part of it as well,” Santner said. “Managing the workload of bowlers and seeing how they pull up after games will be key. It can be sticky and hot here, so it could be a squad effort.#new_zealand #kyle_jamieson #west_indies #mitchell_santner #jacob_duffy
Babar Azam Returns as Pakistan's Test Captain with Focus on Discipline, Fitness, and Performance Babar Azam has been named Pakistan's Test captain for the second time in his career, marking a significant shift in the team's leadership structure following a challenging period under Shan Masood. The decision comes after Pakistan's dismal performance in the World Test Championship cycle, where the team finished at the bottom of the table with only one win in four matches. Azam, who previously led the side to 10 Test victories in 20 matches, aims to rebuild the team's fortunes with a renewed emphasis on discipline, fitness, and performance. His return to the role is expected to coincide with a strategic overhaul of the squad, particularly in the bowling department, as Pakistan seeks to address its long-standing struggles in the format. Azam's reappointment follows a period of poor results under Masood, who took over the captaincy in 2024. During Masood's tenure, Pakistan suffered 12 defeats in 16 Tests, including a 2-0 series loss to Bangladesh and a lack of success in away tours. The team's recent performance has been marred by inconsistent bowling, with fast bowlers failing to generate the required pace and movement. To rectify this, selectors have made sweeping changes to the squad, dropping experienced fast bowlers Shaheen Shah Afridi, Hasan Ali, and Noman Ali. These departures have been offset by the inclusion of younger, less-tested options such as Ubaid Shah, Aamir Jamal, and Mohammad Ali, who has been playing in English county cricket. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has also prioritized fitness and mental preparation, organizing a month-long summer camp at the National Cricket Academy in Lahore.#west_indies #babar_azam #pakistan_cricket_board #national_cricket_academy #shah_masood
