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Vidarbha beat ROI to win third Irani Cup title

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**Vidarbha Claim Third Irani Cup Title: Key Stats**

*By Parth Dhall | October 5, 2025, 6:11 PM*

Vidarbha, the reigning Ranji Trophy champions, have added another feather to their cap by winning the prestigious Irani Cup. The team secured their third Irani Cup title after a commanding performance against the Rest of India (ROI) at Nagpur’s VCA Stadium, culminating in a dominating finish on Day 5.

**Bowling Brilliance Seals the Win**

Vidarbha’s five-man bowling attack operated in perfect harmony to bowl out ROI for 267 runs just before tea on Sunday. The star of the bowling lineup was Yash Thakur, whose double strike included the prized wicket of Yash Dhull, who scored a brilliant 92. Thakur’s incisive spells at crucial moments helped dismantle the opposition’s chase of 361 runs. In a fiery moment during play, Thakur and Dhull were engaged in a heated exchange, showcasing the intensity of the contest.

Harsh Dubey also played a pivotal role, taking a four-wicket haul at key junctures to stifle ROI’s chase effectively. His bowling performance was instrumental in ensuring a 93-run victory for Vidarbha, maintaining their dominant streak.

**Match Summary**

Vidarbha set a strong foundation batting first, posting 342 all out, thanks to a scintillating 143 from Atharva Taide and a solid 91 from Yash Rathod. ROI’s initial response saw them bundled out for 214, with Yash Thakur claiming four wickets.

In their second innings, Vidarbha were restricted to 232 all out, with Anshul Kamboj taking four wickets for ROI. Chasing a challenging target of 261 runs, ROI fell short at 267 all out, as Harsh Dubey’s four-wicket haul proved decisive.

**Perfect Record in Irani Cup**

With this victory, Vidarbha now boast a perfect record in the Irani Cup, having won all three editions they have competed in. Their previous back-to-back victories came in the 2017/18 and 2018/19 seasons. Meanwhile, the Rest of India side faced disappointment as runners-up for the 30th time in the tournament’s history.

Vidarbha’s consistent excellence in domestic cricket continues to make them a formidable force in Indian cricket’s premier competitions.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/sports/vidarbha-clinch-third-irani-cup-title/story

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Full-member team captains with hundreds in T20I run chases

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**Full-Member Team Captains Who Have Scored Hundreds in T20I Run Chases**

*By Gaurav Tripathi | Oct 05, 2025*

—

Australian captain Mitchell Marsh led his team to a thrilling three-wicket victory over New Zealand in the third and final T20I at Tauranga’s Bay Oval. Marsh scored an unbeaten 103 off just 52 balls, marking his first-ever T20I century. This crucial win not only sealed the match but also ensured Australia clinched the T20I series 2-0.

Let’s take a look at the captains from full-member teams who have scored hundreds while chasing targets in T20 International matches.

—

### 1. Mitchell Marsh – 103* vs New Zealand, 2025

Marsh’s stellar performance came as Australia chased down New Zealand’s target of 157 runs. He remained unbeaten on 103, hitting seven sixes and eight fours during his innings. This century was his eighth across all formats for Australia, including Tests, ODIs, and T20Is.

It was largely a solo effort from Marsh, as no other Australian batter managed to score more than 15 runs in the match. Australia secured the win with two overs and three wickets to spare, thanks to Marsh’s commanding knock.

—

### 2. Babar Azam – 110* vs England, 2022

Pakistan captain Babar Azam is the only other captain to achieve this feat—and he appears twice on this list. In 2022, Babar played a magnificent innings against England in Lahore. Chasing a daunting target of 200, he scored an unbeaten 110 off just 66 balls, striking 11 fours and five sixes.

Babar anchored the chase with Mohammad Rizwan (88*), sharing an unbeaten 203-run partnership. Pakistan won the match by 10 wickets, with Babar leading the charge emphatically.

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### 3. Babar Azam – 122 vs South Africa, 2021

Babar’s maiden T20I hundred in a run chase came against South Africa during the Centurion T20I in 2021. Chasing a challenging target of 204, Babar attacked from the start, reaching his half-century in only 27 balls.

He went on to score a stunning 122 runs off 59 balls, hitting 15 fours and four sixes. Along with Rizwan (73*), Babar put on a massive 197-run opening partnership, guiding Pakistan to victory with two overs to spare.

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These remarkable innings by captains with hundreds in T20I run chases highlight their ability to lead from the front and inspire their teams to chase down challenging totals. Mitchell Marsh’s recent heroics add a new chapter to this exclusive list, alongside the outstanding performances of Babar Azam.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/sports/captains-with-hundreds-in-t20i-run-chases-full-member-teams/story

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Vidarbha in prime position to win Irani Cup 2025: Details

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**Vidarbha in Prime Position to Win Irani Cup 2025**
*By Rajdeep Saha | Oct 04, 2025 | 07:59 pm*

Vidarbha have put themselves in a commanding position to win the Irani Cup 2025 by setting Rest of India a challenging target of 361 runs. The match is currently underway at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium in Nagpur.

Starting the day at 96 for two, Vidarbha faced some tough bowling from Anshul Kamboj and Saransh Jain. However, crucial contributions from their lower-middle order helped Vidarbha reach a total of 232 in their second innings.

On the bowling front, Rest of India’s attack, led by Kamboj, impressed on Day 4. Kamboj was the standout bowler for ROI, dismantling Vidarbha’s middle order by taking the wickets of batsmen ranked 3 to 6. He finished with remarkable figures of 4 wickets for 34 runs in just 12 overs.

As Rest of India began their chase of 361 runs, early setbacks came their way. Both openers fell before stumps, with Aryan Juyal bowled by Aditya Thakare and Abhimanyu Easwaran trapped lbw by Harsh Dubey. Easwaran scored 17 off 18 deliveries.

At stumps, Rest of India were 30 for 2, with Ishan Kishan (5 not out) and Rajat Patidar (2 not out) holding the crease. They still require 331 runs with eight wickets in hand heading into the final day.

Vidarbha are aiming to clinch their third Irani Cup title in the last decade, having previously won the trophy in the 2017-18 and 2018-19 seasons. Despite being bowled out for 232 in their second innings, their first-innings lead of 128 has provided them with a strong cushion.

Now, with a significant target set and wickets in hand, Rest of India will need a remarkable performance on the final day to stop Vidarbha from lifting their third Irani Cup title.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/sports/roi-in-trouble-against-vidarbha-in-irani-cup/story

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‘Been Plaguing For Last Two Series’: Roston Chase Reflects On West Indies’ Batting Struggles After Innings Defeat In IND vs WI 1st Test

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West Indies captain Roston Chase has identified the team’s poor batting performance as the primary reason behind their humiliating defeat in the first Test. “We had a poor batting display. We have not been able to bat for 80 overs. It has been plaguing us for the last two series. We are not getting 250-300 runs,” he admitted.

Reflecting on the decision to bat first after winning the toss, Chase stated that it was not a wrong call. “I don’t think it was a bad decision. It was a good wicket to bat on. We didn’t start well and never put any partnerships in place. That hurt us,” he explained.

Chase also shared the team’s learnings when facing spin bowling in the Test match. “Defence needs to be a bit tighter. It was a wicket that we could bat on. We need to trust our defence and be more solid in it.”

Addressing concerns about the financial challenges impacting West Indies cricket, Chase was candid. “I don’t want to touch too much on it. It’s a struggle in the Caribbean for finances. The system in the Caribbean is a bit poor. The onus is on the players to find some way to get performances,” he remarked.

When asked about the prospects of a revival in West Indies cricket, Chase remained optimistic. “I wouldn’t be a true West Indian if I said no. We have to take some small steps and work towards that. There have been times where other teams have been down and we have been up. So it’s possible,” he added.

Lastly, the West Indies skipper dismissed any suggestions of a lack of desire or motivation within the dressing room. “The guys are eager to play and make an impression and make a living for themselves. So I absolutely don’t see any lack of desire in the dressing room,” he concluded.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/sports/been-plaguing-for-last-two-series-roston-chase-reflects-on-west-indies-batting-struggles-after-innings-defeat-in-ind-vs-wi-1st-test

cricket, india, sports, west indies

‘Been Plaguing For Last Two Series’: Roston Chase Reflects On West Indies’ Batting Struggles After Innings Defeat In IND vs WI 1st Test

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West Indies captain Roston Chase has identified poor batting as the primary reason behind the team’s humiliating defeat in the first Test. “We had a poor batting display. We have not been able to bat for 80 overs. It has been plaguing us for the last two series. We are not getting 250-300 runs,” he explained.

Reflecting on the decision to bat first after winning the toss, Chase stated that it was not the wrong call. “I don’t think it was a bad decision. It was a good wicket to bat on. We didn’t start well and never put any partnerships in place. That hurt us,” he added.

Chase also shared insights on the team’s experience against spin bowling during the Test. “Defence needs to be a bit tighter. It was a wicket that we could bat on. We need to trust our defence and be more solid in it,” he said.

Addressing concerns about the financial challenges facing West Indies cricket, Chase was candid. “I don’t want to touch too much on it. It’s a struggle in the Caribbean for finances. The system in the Caribbean is a bit poor. The onus is on the players to find some way to get performances,” he remarked.

Looking ahead, Chase remained optimistic about the chances of a revival in West Indies cricket. “I wouldn’t be a true West Indian if I said no. We have to take some small steps and work towards that. There have been times where other teams have been down and we have been up. So it’s possible,” he stated.

Finally, the West Indies skipper dismissed suggestions that there is a lack of desire or motivation within the dressing room. “The guys are eager to play and make an impression and make a living for themselves. So I absolutely don’t see any lack of desire in the dressing room,” he concluded.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/sports/been-plaguing-for-last-two-series-roston-chase-reflects-on-west-indies-batting-struggles-after-innings-defeat-in-ind-vs-wi-1st-test

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Ahmedabad Test: Decoding Ravindra Jadeja’s all-round brilliance vs West Indies

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**Ahmedabad Test: Decoding Ravindra Jadeja’s All-Round Brilliance vs West Indies**
*By Gaurav Tripathi | Oct 04, 2025, 03:58 PM*

India’s vice-captain Ravindra Jadeja was the star of the show in the first Test against the West Indies at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium. His unbeaten century and a four-wicket haul played a pivotal role in India’s emphatic innings and 140-run victory. The match concluded on Day 3 after the West Indies were bowled out for just 146 runs in 45.1 overs in their second innings.

### Match Highlights

Jadeja’s bowling was instrumental in the West Indies’ second innings. He claimed four wickets for 54 runs from 13 overs, making him the standout bowler. This all-round effort brought him close to the rare ‘ton and five-for’ achievement in a Test match—a feat he has accomplished twice before.

The left-arm spinner trapped three of West Indies’ top-five batters—John Campbell, Brandon King, and Shai Hope—and also dismissed Johann Layne. It is notable that Jadeja had bowled three wicket-less overs in the first innings.

### Batting Masterclass: An Unbeaten Century

Chasing the West Indies’ first innings total of 162, Jadeja came to the crease at 218/4 and built a commanding 206-run partnership for the fifth wicket with Dhruv Jurel. While Jurel scored a fluent 125, Jadeja’s aggressive and composed batting ensured India maintained a strong lead.

His unbeaten knock of 104 runs off 176 balls was an ideal mix of defense and aggression, especially against spinners. During his innings, Jadeja struck six fours and five sixes, remaining not out to steer India forward.

### Impressive Stats

– **15th Four-Wicket Haul in Tests:** According to ESPNcricinfo, this was Jadeja’s 15th four-wicket haul in Test cricket. He also has as many five-wicket hauls to his name.

– **Career Figures:** Playing his 86th Test, Jadeja has amassed 334 wickets at an impressive average of 25.07.

– **Dominance Against West Indies:** Versus the West Indies, he has taken 27 wickets in eight Tests at an excellent average of 20.2. Although he is yet to achieve a five-wicket haul against the Caribbean team, he boasts 242 wickets in home Tests at an average of 20.65.

### Batting Milestone: Approaching 4,000 Test Runs

With the bat, Jadeja has scored 3,990 runs at a remarkable average of 38.73, including six centuries and 27 fifties. At 36 years old, he is now just 10 runs away from becoming the fourth cricketer ever to score over 4,000 runs and take more than 300 wickets in Test cricket.

This innings marked Jadeja’s second century in eight Tests against the West Indies (along with two fifties), accumulating 399 runs at an outstanding average of 66.50 against them.

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Ravindra Jadeja’s stellar all-round performance in Ahmedabad once again underscored his immense value to the Indian cricket team, highlighting his mastery with both bat and ball on home soil.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/sports/ravindra-jadeja-s-all-round-heroics-guide-india-to-win-over-wi/story

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Mitchell Marsh hammers his maiden century in T20Is: Key stats

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Australia have clinched the T20I series against New Zealand following a thrilling final match.

The home side secured a three-wicket victory, sealing the series in spectacular fashion.

This win highlights Australia’s dominance and resilience throughout the series, making it a memorable contest for fans on both sides.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/sports/mitchell-marsh-gets-to-his-maiden-t20i-hundred/story

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Ravindra Jadeja averages 82.37 with bat in 2025 Tests: Stats

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**Veteran Team India All-rounder Ravindra Jadeja Continues Dream Run with the Bat in Test Cricket**
*By Gaurav Tripathi | Oct 04, 2025, 11:22 am*

Veteran Team India all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja has continued his phenomenal form with the bat in Test cricket. He scored a stunning century in the first Test between India and West Indies at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium. His unbeaten 104-run knock helped India declare at 448/5, responding strongly to West Indies’ first innings score of 162 all out.

### A Stellar Knock from Jadeja

Jadeja came to the crease after KL Rahul’s dismissal at 218 for four and forged a formidable 206-run partnership for the fifth wicket with Dhruv Jurel. While Jurel scored a fluent 125 off 176 balls, featuring 15 fours and three sixes, Jadeja’s aggressive batting ensured India maintained a commanding lead.

His unbeaten 104 was a perfect blend of defense and aggression, particularly effective against spinners. During his 176-ball stay, Jadeja smashed six fours and five sixes, finishing the innings unbeaten and setting a strong platform for India.

### Second-Most Runs in Tests in 2025

Playing his seventh Test in 2025, Jadeja has raced to 659 runs at a stellar average of 82.37 across 13 innings. This includes two centuries and seven fifties. According to ESPNcricinfo, each of Jadeja’s seven 50-plus scores this year have come in his last nine Test innings.

In terms of Test runs in 2025, the southpaw is second only to his skipper Shubman Gill, who has scored 837 runs. No other batter with at least 600 runs in 2025 boasts an average over 70.

### His Best Year in Terms of Test Runs

Jadeja, who made his Test debut back in 2012, has never crossed the 600-run mark in Tests in any other calendar year before 2025. Additionally, he has not recorded six or more 50-plus scores in any other year.

The only other year in which Jadeja hammered multiple Test hundreds was 2022, making 2025 his best year to date in terms of batting performances.

### Record-Breaking Run in Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy

Jadeja was in exceptional form during the 2025 Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy against hosts England, where India earned a 2-2 draw. The southpaw finished the series with 516 runs from 5 Tests (10 innings) at an outstanding average of 86.

He registered one century and five fifties in the series, achieving the joint-most 50-plus scores at No. 6 or lower by any batter in an away Test series – a total of six.

### Other Feats in the England Series

Jadeja set the record for the most 50-plus scores for India in a Test series in England, accumulating six such scores. He also became the first Indian to score over 500 runs in a Test series while batting at six or lower.

Overall, he recorded the third-most runs at this position in an away Test series, underscoring his vital role in India’s batting lineup.

### Jadeja Inches Closer to 4,000 Test Runs

Playing his 86th Test, Jadeja has now amassed 3,990 runs at an average of 38.73, including six centuries and 27 fifties. The 36-year-old is just 10 runs away from becoming the fourth cricketer ever to score 4,000 runs and take over 300 wickets in Test cricket – a remarkable all-round milestone.

During his innings, Jadeja also became the fourth Indian to complete 80 Test sixes, joining the elite company of Virender Sehwag (90), Rishabh Pant (90), and Rohit Sharma (88).

—

Ravindra Jadeja’s consistent brilliance with both bat and ball continues to be a cornerstone of Team India’s success in Test cricket. His remarkable form in 2025 signals yet another memorable chapter in his illustrious career.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/sports/decoding-ravindra-jadeja-dream-test-run-in-2025/story

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‘We’re much, much better than 69 all out’: Laura Wolvaardt

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By Rajdeep Saha | Oct 03, 2025, 10:31 pm

**South Africa Captain Laura Wolvaardt Defends Team’s Performance in ICC Women’s World Cup Opener**

South Africa’s captain Laura Wolvaardt has defended her team’s disappointing performance in their ICC Women’s World Cup opener against England. The match, played in Guwahati, saw South Africa bowled out for a mere 69 runs — their third-lowest total in women’s ODIs. The team suffered a heavy 10-wicket defeat.

Wolvaardt attributed the poor showing to “one of those days where the top order and middle order failed on the same day.”

### Team Resilience: No Blame on the Pitch

Wolvaardt was quick to dismiss any suggestions that the pitch conditions contributed to the collapse.

“I think our prep has been good, I don’t think there were too many demons in the pitch,” she said after the match. “It was just one of those days where everyone went out early, and that happens in cricket sometimes. It was not a pitch that we were super foreign to. We spent a lot of time in these conditions in the last couple of months, so definitely wouldn’t put it on the wicket.”

### “We Are Much, Much Better Than 69 All Out”

Despite the crushing defeat, Wolvaardt remains confident in her team’s abilities.

“We are much, much better than 69 all out. As a group, we just need to put it behind us as quickly as we can and move forward, because if we’re going to take that into the next game, it’s going to be a very long tournament for us.”

### Preparation and Game Plan Against Left-Arm Spin

Ahead of the match, South Africa’s batting coach Baakier Abrahams closely monitored Wolvaardt’s preparation against left-arm spin. Net bowlers varied their angles, bowling from wide of the crease to challenge her footwork and shot selection.

However, despite these preparations, Wolvaardt was dismissed early — caught off a return catch in the second over by England’s Sophie Ecclestone. This early dismissal set the tone for South Africa’s innings as they lost four wickets within the first 31 balls.

### Middle Order Under Scrutiny

South Africa’s middle order, despite a strong ODI batting record since 2023, came under intense scrutiny following this match.

Wolvaardt, however, defended her middle order unit. “I don’t think that we have any trouble in our middle order at the moment,” she explained. “It’s just one of those days where both top order and middle order didn’t fire.”

### Looking Ahead: Upcoming Match Against New Zealand

South Africa will face New Zealand in their second World Cup match on October 6 in Indore. The team will be looking to bounce back strongly and prove their mettle on the international stage.

Despite the setback, Wolvaardt remains optimistic about her team’s potential. She is focused on moving forward and is eager for the upcoming challenges in the tournament.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/sports/wolvaardt-says-her-side-is-better-than-69-all-out/story

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England thrash South Africa in ICC Women’s World Cup: Stats

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**England thrash South Africa in ICC Women’s World Cup**

*Stats By Rajdeep Saha | Oct 03, 2025, 06:31 pm*

England’s women’s cricket team has made a spectacular start to their ICC Women’s World Cup campaign, overwhelming South Africa by 10 wickets in a dominant performance. The match, held in Guwahati on Friday, saw the Proteas bowled out for just 69 runs in 20.4 overs—their second-lowest total in World Cup ODI history.

### Bowling brilliance sets the tone

England’s decision to bowl first proved decisive as Linsey Smith delivered a standout performance, taking early wickets and restricting South Africa’s batting line-up. Smith struck in her first two overs, dismissing both openers. She trapped South African captain Laura Wolvaardt and Tazmin Brits each for 5 runs, with Wolvaardt caught and bowled by Smith. Lauren Bell also contributed with a crucial wicket, removing Sune Luus for 2.

Smith continued her onslaught by sending back Marizanne Kapp for 4 runs, leaving South Africa struggling at 38 for 5 after the 10-over powerplay. Her final bowling figures of 3 wickets for just 7 runs in 4 overs dismantled the top order and ensured England retained full control.

### Spin attack seals the win

Despite a gritty 22 off 36 balls by wicketkeeper-batter Sinalo Jafta—the South African top scorer—the Proteas were unable to stabilize their innings. Jafta was eventually bowled by left-arm spinner Sophie Ecclestone in the 18th over. Ecclestone finished with impressive figures of 2 for 19, also claiming Nadine de Klerk.

Charlie Dean wrapped up the tail with 2 wickets for 14 runs while Lauren Bell ended with 1 for 24, as South Africa crumbled for just 69 runs.

### England’s effortless chase

Chasing a mere 70 runs, England’s batters completed the job comfortably in just 14.1 overs. Amy Jones remained unbeaten on 40 off 50 balls, with Tammy Beaumont supporting with 21 not out off 35 balls. Their calm and steady partnership sealed a convincing 10-wicket victory and gave England a significant boost in net run rate ahead of their next game against Bangladesh, which is weather-dependent.

### Records and milestones

This victory marked England’s third 10-wicket win in ICC Women’s World Cup history and only their second such win over South Africa. The previous 10-wicket triumph against the Proteas was achieved by Australia in Bengaluru in 1997 with a target of 164 runs.

England’s 10-wicket World Cup wins include:

– vs India, Nelson, 1982 (target: 62)
– vs Ireland, Melbourne, 1988 (target: 110)
– vs South Africa, Guwahati, 2025 (target: 70)

On the other hand, South Africa’s total of 69 runs ranks as their third-lowest in Women’s ODIs. Their lowest team totals are:

– 51 vs New Zealand, Bowral, 2009 WC
– 63 vs Pakistan, Potchefstroom, 2019
– 69 vs England, Guwahati, 2025 WC
– 75 vs Bangladesh, Mirpur, 2012
– 77 vs England, Cuttack, 2013 WC

England’s commanding win sends a strong statement in the tournament, and fans will be eager to see if they can maintain this form in the upcoming matches.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/sports/england-tame-south-africa-in-women-s-world-cup/story