Trent Rockets dismissed Sunrisers Leeds for 91 at Lord's on Sunday and then knocked off the target for the loss of two wickets. It was Leeds' lowest score in the competition's history.
Dunkley and Mooney added 69 in an unbroken stand that turned the chase into a formality. Rockets had lost just once in the group stage, so they arrived at the final without the extra knock-out match most teams had to play.
The win gives the Nottingham-based side their first Hundred title in the women's competition.
Gulf Giants head coach Simon Helmot revealed the team's auction strategy and plans to balance experience with domestic talent ahead of the ILT20 season.
Gulf Giants head coach Simon Helmot laid out the franchise's recruitment plans ahead of the ILT20 auction. He wants a mix of international experience and domestic talent, and the aim is to defend the title.
Helmot said the team will hunt for players who can control the middle overs. They'll keep most of last season's core and add depth in the spin department. Key overseas signings will be decided after the auction.
The season starts in January 2027. Helmot wants players with proven T20 records in the subcontinent.
Rishabh Pant became the fastest player to reach 100 Test sixes during India's first innings at Galle. He achieved the landmark in his 51st Test match.
Pant hit the milestone during his 66-run innings that helped India set Sri Lanka a target of 372. Cheteshwar Pujara admitted he sometimes found Pant's on-field antics irritating during their time as teammates.
Ben Stokes, Brendan McCullum and Adam Gilchrist are the only other players to have reached the landmark. Pant was dismissed for 39 in the second innings.
Padikkal's maiden Test century has created a genuine selection dilemma at number three that extends beyond naming one player.
Devdutt Padikkal's 167 at number three against Sri Lanka in Galle has placed him ahead of Sai Sudharsan in the selection debate. The Karnataka left-hander converted his overnight 131 into a career-best score on day two, ending a 24-year gap since the last Indian left-hander scored a Test hundred in that position. India's coach confirmed Padikkal will bat at three again in the second Test.
Sanjay Manjrekar described Padikkal as "godsent" against spin and argued he should retain the spot even after Sudharsan recovers from his foot injury. Padikkal credited two years of preparation and improved footwork for his ability to handle Sri Lanka's spinners on a turning pitch. KL Rahul noted the quiet work the 26-year-old put in during his time outside the Test squad.
The selection question now centres on whether India needs a specialist number three who can absorb spin or a more versatile batter capable of playing across conditions. The New Zealand tour later this year is expected to provide clarity on the long-term choice.
Private ownership has changed The Hundred's priorities from participation growth to ticket revenue and attendance figures.
The first season under private ownership recorded lower attendances than 2025 at several venues, according to BBC Sport data covering both men's and women's matches.
Revenue now rests more on ticket sales and commercial deals than on participation or broadcast reach. Teams that once spent on grassroots work are moving money into match-day packages aimed at paying fans.
Some grounds sold more premium seats while general admission fell, exposing the gap between the ECB's original growth goal and the new owners' commercial targets.
The ICC is looking at October 2 for the first match of the 2027 ODI World Cup. It lines up with Gandhi Jayanti, and the board wants to lock in the full schedule once the 2025 Champions Trophy ends.
The tournament runs across South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia. Broadcasting partners have already been sounded out on the timeline, but nothing is official yet.
India's presence in the opener is still a commercial talking point, and the BCCI hasn't weighed in.
Devdutt Padikkal remained unbeaten on 131 after reaching his hundred off 134 balls. KL Rahul retired hurt on 77 but is expected to be available on day two.
India reached 288 for 2 on the opening day of the first Test against Sri Lanka in Galle after opting to bat first. Devdutt Padikkal scored his maiden Test century off 134 balls and remained unbeaten on 131 at stumps. The innings came on a rain-affected day at the venue.
KL Rahul made 77 before cramps forced him to retire hurt in the 51st over. He formed a 150-run partnership with Padikkal that anchored the innings. Batting coach Sitanshu Kotak confirmed Rahul is fine and ready for day two.
Niroshan Dickwella returned to the Sri Lanka squad for the series. Offspinner Nuwantha received his maiden call-up. The result leaves India in a strong position heading into the second day.
Sunil Gavaskar said hamstring injuries show flaws in India's training approach and called for more match-specific preparation.
Sunil Gavaskar thinks India's hamstring injuries trace back to the way the team trains. He wants match fitness to count for more than gym work.
Gavaskar has also questioned why bowlers get limited net time under the banner of biomechanics. Bowlers need proper time in the middle, he said, if they're going to handle what international cricket actually throws at them.
Several players have sat out matches this season with hamstring trouble.
Niroshan Dickwella returns to the Sri Lanka Test squad after a long absence. Offspinner Keshara Nuwantha earns his first call-up ahead of the series against India in Galle.
Sri Lanka have named their Test squad for the series against India with two notable inclusions. Niroshan Dickwella returns after a long absence from the side. Offspinner Keshara Nuwantha receives his maiden call-up for the two-match series.
India arrive in Sri Lanka with Devdutt Padikkal included in place of the injured Sai Sudharsan. Shubman Gill leads the side in its 600th Test match, which begins on Independence Day in Galle.
Gill said the absence of Jasprit Bumrah creates an opportunity for other bowlers to step up. India sit fifth in the World Test Championship table and need results from the series.
Zaheer Khan is being discussed as Agarkar's replacement if Laxman is appointed Director of Cricket instead.
Former India fast bowler Zaheer Khan has emerged as a top option to lead the BCCI selection committee if the board decides not to extend Ajit Agarkar's contract. Media reports suggest that VVS Laxman could be appointed Director of Cricket, with the BCCI likely to hold a meeting with Agarkar regarding his future once the Test series against Sri Lanka ends.
The report claimed that Laxman was initially considered to replace Agarkar but did not want to take up the position due to the amount of travelling involved. As a result, Laxman could be offered a brand new position while Zaheer could emerge as a top option depending on how the situation with Agarkar turns out. The BCCI office bearers are set to meet Agarkar after the Sri Lanka series to discuss his future.
Agarkar will complete three years as chairman in September and is eligible for a one-year extension. The meeting comes amid differences of opinion between the selectors and the BCCI regarding Rohit Sharma's future in the ODI team.
Scotland and Netherlands boards say ICC changes to 2027 World Cup format create uncertainty and weaken cricket's integrity.
Scotland and the Netherlands have called out the ICC for cutting the 2027 World Cup from 14 teams to 12. The main event now splits into two groups of six, while the three lowest-ranked qualifiers must first play a preliminary Super Series — only the winner advances.
Cricket Scotland and the Royal Dutch Cricket Association released a joint statement saying the change weakens the tournament's credibility and was pushed through without proper consultation. The boards met the ICC twice and asked for written clarification. They received nothing after the second meeting more than two weeks ago.
The decision was taken at the ICC's annual conference in Edinburgh in July. BBC Sport reported that almost every associate member was kept out of the loop, even though they attended.
Niroshan Dickwella returns to the Sri Lanka Test squad while offspinner Nuwantha earns his first call-up. India arrive with Devdutt Padikkal in place of the injured Sai Sudharsan for the 600th Test in Galle.
Niroshan Dickwella's back. The Sri Lanka wicketkeeper returns to the Test squad for the two-match series against India, and offspinner Nuwantha gets his first call-up as the hosts prepare.
India's XI is largely unchanged — Devdutt Padikkal slots in for the injured Sai Sudharsan, and Shubman Gill captains in his side's 600th Test match. With Jasprit Bumrah absent, Gill sees an opening for other bowlers to press their case. Sarfaraz Khan didn't make the cut for the Galle opener.
India sit fifth in the World Test Championship table and need wins to keep their final alive. The squad composition suggests they're comfortable with their balance — youth stepping in where injury demands it, but no wholesale overhaul.
The BCCI office bearers are set to meet selection committee chairman Ajit Agarkar after India's Test series against Sri Lanka to discuss his future, according to a report by The Indian Express. Agarkar will complete three years as chairman in September and is eligible for a one-year extension. The meeting comes amid differences of opinion between the selectors and the BCCI regarding Rohit Sharma's future. The selectors had reportedly informed Sharma that they were looking to replace him in the squad after the England series in July, but BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia said Sharma will continue to represent the country as long as he is in the scheme of things. The BCCI wants the selectors to assess Sharma's future on a series-by-series basis in the lead-up to the 2027 ODI World Cup. Former India head coach Ravi Shastri lauded Sharma for his century against England at Lord's, stating that the opener has shut everyone up on speculations about his future in the 50-over format.
India captain Shubman Gill said the team management has maintained constant communication with the BCCI Centre of Excellence regarding the fitness of injured players ahead of the Sri Lanka series. He was responding to questions about Jasprit Bumrah and Sai Sudharsan, who were initially included in the squad but later ruled out. Gill confirmed that Sudharsan did not recover sufficiently from a toe niggle and that risks could not be taken in Test cricket. The five-day format influenced the decision, as players have multiple opportunities to contribute even after a poor start. Gill said the absences had not affected team morale and expressed confidence in the current 15. He noted that the extended preparation time on this tour should help the side adapt to conditions in Galle. India face Sri Lanka in the first Test beginning August 15.
WV Raman said Rishabh Pant must be allowed to bat aggressively in Test cricket rather than being asked to change his approach to a more conventional style.
Former India batter WV Raman said Rishabh Pant must be allowed to play his natural aggressive game in Test cricket rather than being asked to adopt a conventional defensive approach. Raman argued that Pant's trained reflexes respond faster than any instruction to play within himself, and forcing him into a defensive mindset would create conflict between his mind and his instincts. Pant averages 43.37 in red-ball cricket and has won Test matches abroad from difficult situations through his attacking style. He needs three more sixes to become the first Indian batter to reach 100 sixes in Test cricket. Pant made 2 and 28 in India's warm-up match against Sri Lanka Cricket XI in Galle. Dhruv Jurel and Ishan Kishan have both pushed for greater opportunities in the wicketkeeper-batter role.
via Times of India, Hindustan Times, Indian Express
Tanzid Hasan Tamim scored Bangladesh's first Test century in Australia as the visitors built a 153-run lead after bowling Australia out for 198 on day one.
Tanzid Hasan Tamim became the first Bangladesh batter to score a Test century in Australia as Bangladesh closed day two on 351 for six at the Marrara Oval in Darwin. The 25-year-old opener, playing only his second Test, made 101 off 197 balls and added 102 runs for the second wicket with Mominul Haque, who fell for 49, and 93 for the third wicket with captain Najmul Hossain Shanto. Hasan Mahmud took six for 55 on day one to bowl Australia out for 198, their lowest total against Bangladesh, with Steve Smith top-scoring on 71. Josh Hazlewood claimed all four Bangladesh wickets to fall on day three and reached 300 Test wickets, becoming the ninth Australian to reach the mark. Bangladesh extended their lead to 228 runs before being dismissed for 426.
England batter Jordan Cox says advice from Virat Kohli will stay with him forever as he prepares to bat at number three for England in the Pakistan Test series. The series begins at Headingley on August 19.
Cox steps up due to Jacob Bethell's knee injury and draws on his time training with Kohli in India. He described Kohli as always available at the end of a phone for guidance.
The 27-year-old will make his Test debut in the absence of the injured Bethell. England face Pakistan in a three-match series starting later this month.
Shubman Gill highlighted the need for preparation time as India prepare to face Sri Lanka in the first Test at Galle on August 15.
India captain Shubman Gill said the team needs adequate preparation time before the two-match Test series against Sri Lanka begins in Galle on August 15. He stressed that players require time to adapt to conditions and formats as India aim to reach the World Test Championship final next year. The series forms part of India's WTC campaign.
Ravindra Jadeja stands two wickets away from 350 Test wickets and a place alongside Kapil Dev in the elite club. India will be without Jasprit Bumrah and Sai Sudharsan for the series, with the captain confirming constant communication with both players over their fitness.
Selection choices include the inclusion of Kuldeep Yadav and Manav Suthar, while Dhruv Jurel is set to keep wicket ahead of Sarfaraz Khan. The team continues to rebuild after recent results.
Gupta called for an end to random bilateral series to strengthen the ODI format.
ICC CEO Sanjog Gupta says ODIs can thrive — but only if random bilateral series stop. He made the case while discussing the 50-over format's future, arguing that fewer, more intentional bilateral contests would preserve what makes the game matter.
Excessive bilaterals have diluted the format's value. The ICC has been working to restructure the international calendar, and Gupta's remarks signal where the thinking's headed: a streamlined schedule that lets major tournaments breathe. The governing body will consult with member boards on how to reshape the white-ball calendar, with calendar changes a priority for ICC leadership.
The tension here is real. Boards depend on bilateral revenue. But if every ODI feels fungible, none of them feels special — and that's the ICC's gamble.
Todd Greenberg said Cricket Australia must balance the need for meaningful ODIs against potential revenue loss from removing bilateral series.
Cricket Australia chief executive Todd Greenberg said the bilateral ODIs need more meaning, yet he also flagged the money that could disappear if those series vanish from the schedule. He knows standalone matches lack the storylines that pull crowds.
The financial hit from dropping ODIs needs careful thought, he added. The 50-over game must find its place beside franchise leagues and still feed into the World Cup cycle.
Several boards are already under pressure to explain three-match series to broadcasters while viewers drift toward T20.
