Tag Archives: espncricinfo

Karun Nair slams Ranji Trophy half-century after Test snub: Stats

**Karun Nair Slams Ranji Trophy Half-Century After Test Snub**

*By Rajdeep Saha | Oct 15, 2025, 07:26 PM*

The opening day of the 2025-26 Ranji Trophy season witnessed a stellar performance from Karnataka against Saurashtra at the Niranjan Shah Stadium in Rajkot. A crucial partnership between Devdutt Padikkal and Karun Nair helped Karnataka finish strongly on Day 1, ending on 295/5.

Padikkal scored a fluent 96, while Nair contributed a valuable 73. Having switched back to Karnataka after helping Vidarbha lift the Ranji Trophy last season, Nair played a pivotal role alongside Padikkal in stabilizing the innings.

### Partnership Brings Stability to Karnataka’s Innings

Karnataka captain Mayank Agarwal and S. Nikin Jose fell early to Saurashtra’s bowling attack, spearheaded by skipper Jaydev Unadkat. However, Padikkal and Nair combined for a vital third-wicket partnership of 146 runs, which steadied the innings. Both batsmen showed patience and rotated the strike efficiently to keep the scoreboard ticking. The partnership was finally broken by Dharmendra Jadeja, who trapped Nair leg before wicket.

### Nair Scores 38th Fifty in First-Class Cricket

Karun Nair’s innings of 73 came off 126 balls and included nine boundaries. Playing his 121st first-class (FC) match, Nair has amassed 8,748 runs at an impressive average of around 49. This innings marked his 38th fifty in FC cricket, complementing his 24 centuries.

According to ESPNcricinfo stats, Nair has scored 5,174 runs in 71 Ranji Trophy matches (118 innings) at an average of 47.90, with 19 half-centuries and 17 centuries. This recent knock underlines his continued consistency in the premier domestic competition.

### Test Snub Despite Return After Seven Years

Karun Nair had made a comeback to the Indian Test team during the England tour after a long gap of nearly seven years, featuring in four matches. However, he managed only one half-century, which came in the final Test at The Oval. While he displayed solid technique and got starts, Nair struggled to convert them into big scores that might have cemented his place.

His performances included scores of 0 and 20 in the first Test at Headingley, 31 and 26 in Birmingham, and 40 and 14 in the Lord’s Test. He was dropped for the fourth Test in Manchester but returned for the series finale, scoring 57 and 17. Across these four Tests and eight innings, Nair totaled 205 runs at an average of 25.62.

### First-Class Runs Include 579 in Test Cricket

Overall, Karun Nair’s 8,748 first-class runs include 579 runs from 10 Test matches, showing his experience at the highest level, even if recent results have been mixed.

As the Ranji season unfolds, Nair’s form with Karnataka will be closely watched, especially given his determination to bounce back after the recent international disappointment.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/sports/karun-nair-hammers-73-for-karnataka-in-ranji-opener/story

Women’s World Cup: Sophie Devine claims three-fer against Sri Lanka

**Women’s World Cup: Sophie Devine Claims Three-Fer Against Sri Lanka**

*By Rajdeep Saha | Oct 14, 2025, 07:46 PM*

Veteran New Zealand all-rounder Sophie Devine delivered a standout bowling performance against Sri Lanka in Match 15 of the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 in Colombo.

Sri Lanka posted a competitive total of 258/6 in their 50 overs, but Devine, who has been in solid form with the bat throughout the tournament, demonstrated her skill with the ball, picking up a three-wicket haul.

### Bowling Performance

Devine made her mark early in the bowling innings. She started in the 20th over and immediately made an impact by dismissing Vishmi Gunaratne. In the 24th over, she broke a substantial 101-run partnership by claiming the wicket of Sri Lanka’s captain and top-scorer Chamari Athapaththu, who was on 53 runs.

Continuing her impressive spell, Devine took the wicket of Kavisha Dilhari in the 42nd over. Her third and final wicket came late in the innings during the 48th over when she dismissed Piumi Badalge.

### Match Stats and Career Milestones

Sophie Devine bowled a total of 9 overs, finishing with figures of 3 wickets for 54 runs, conceding at a rate of 6 runs per over. This performance helped her reach a milestone of 110 wickets in Women’s One Day Internationals (WODIs).

In the current Women’s World Cup, Devine has taken 15 wickets across 29 matches at an average of 31.60. Overall, in her WODI career spanning 156 matches, she boasts 110 wickets at an average of 36.02.

According to ESPNcricinfo, Devine has been particularly effective against Sri Lanka, claiming 13 wickets in 11 encounters at an impressive average of 21.23.

Sophie Devine’s all-round prowess continues to be a crucial asset for New Zealand in the Women’s World Cup 2025, making her one of the standout performers of the tournament.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/sports/world-cup-sophie-devine-shines-with-ball-against-sri-lanka/story

Rashid Khan claims his 6th five-wicket haul in ODIs: Stats

**Rashid Khan Claims His 6th Five-Wicket Haul in ODIs**

*By Rajdeep Saha | Oct 12, 2025*

Afghanistan spinner Rashid Khan delivered a stunning bowling performance to claim his 6th five-wicket haul in One Day Internationals (ODIs). Playing in Abu Dhabi, Rashid recorded impressive figures of 5/17 from 8.3 overs, helping Afghanistan secure a commanding 81-run victory over Bangladesh.

After Afghanistan posted a total of 190 runs, the Bangladesh batting lineup faltered, being all out for just 109. Rashid’s exceptional spell played a crucial role in this dominant win, further cementing Afghanistan’s superiority in the series, which they have now clinched convincingly.

**Bowling Heroics**

Rashid was introduced into the attack in the 12th over. Although wicketless initially, he opened his account by dismissing Towhid Hridoy, who fell to a wild slog in Rashid’s third over. His sixth over was particularly productive, as he took two wickets—removing Nurul Hasan and Tanzim Hasan Sakib.

Continuing his onslaught, Rashid picked up the wickets of Tanvir Islam in his eighth over and Rishad Hossain, who was stumped in the ninth. His relentless bowling left the Bangladeshi batters struggling to cope with his spin and control.

**Milestone Achieved**

This five-wicket haul marked Rashid Khan’s sixth fifer in ODIs, elevating his career figures to 207 wickets from 116 matches at an impressive average of 19.87 with an economy rate of 4.21. Alongside his six five-wicket hauls, Rashid also boasts six four-wicket hauls in the format.

Notably, this was Rashid’s maiden five-wicket haul against Bangladesh. Overall, he has taken 32 wickets against Bangladesh in 18 matches, maintaining an average of 20.65. When playing in the UAE, Rashid’s record is exceptional, with 66 wickets from 26 matches at a remarkable average of 13.03, including three five-wicket hauls.

**Did You Know?**

Rashid Khan is now only the second Afghan bowler to take an ODI five-wicket haul against Bangladesh. The first to achieve this feat was young talent Allah Ghazanfar, who recorded figures of 6/26.

Rashid Khan’s latest performance not only underscores his standing as one of the premier spinners in world cricket but also highlights Afghanistan’s growing stature in international cricket.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/sports/rashid-khan-floors-bangladesh-with-fifer-in-2nd-odi/story

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

**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.

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

Ravindra Jadeja averages 82.37 with bat in 2025 Tests: Stats

**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

1st Test: India dominate Day 2 proceedings against West Indies

**1st Test: India Dominate Day 2 Proceedings Against West Indies**
*By Rajdeep Saha | Oct 03, 2025, 05:10 PM*

The Indian cricket team ended Day 2 on a strong note against the West Indies at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Resuming the day at 121/2, KL Rahul (53*) and Shubman Gill (18*) were at the crease, providing a solid platform for Team India on Friday.

### Day 2 Summary

Rahul and Gill had added an unbeaten 31 runs on Day 1, and on Day 2, they stitched together another 67 runs before Gill was dismissed for 50. Thirty runs later, Rahul fell after playing a defiant innings of 100. Following their departure, Dhruv Jurel and Ravindra Jadeja took charge, building a commanding partnership of 200 runs. Jurel has already scored a century, while Jadeja is firing on all cylinders, dominating the proceedings.

### Shubman Gill Equals Sunil Gavaskar’s Record

Gill was dismissed by the opposition captain and off-spinner Roston Chase right after completing his fifty. According to Cricbuzz, the last Indian captain to score 50+ runs in their debut innings leading the team at home was none other than Sunil Gavaskar. The legendary batsman had made a spectacular 205 against West Indies at the Wankhede Stadium in 1978.

Playing his sixth Test as captain, Shubman Gill now owns 804 runs at an impressive average of 73.09 across 11 innings.

### Gill’s Impressive Test Stats

With this fifty, Gill has accumulated 2,697 runs from 38 Tests at an average of 41.49. His tally includes nine Test centuries and eight fifties. Notably, this was Gill’s maiden fifty in four Test innings against the West Indies. Across 18 home Tests, he has scored 1,227 runs at an average of 42.31, including ten 50-plus scores with four centuries.

### KL Rahul’s 11th Test Century

KL Rahul brought up his 11th century in Test cricket, scoring 100 off 197 balls with 12 fours. Playing his 64th Test, Rahul has now amassed 3,889 runs at an average of 36.00. He has scored 474 runs against West Indies at an average of 47.40, including two centuries and three 50-plus scores against the Caribbean side. This was Rahul’s 10th hundred as an opener.

### Rahul’s Home Record and First-Class Cricket Achievements

This century marks Rahul’s second Test hundred on home soil, where he has scored 1,249 runs at an average of 41.63. Overall, he boasts 12 scores of 50-plus in India.

In first-class cricket, Rahul is playing his 112th match and has accumulated 8,317 runs at an average of around 45. He now has 23 centuries and 39 fifties, according to ESPNcricinfo.

Team India’s dominant performance on Day 2 sets the tone for a commanding position in the Test, with key contributions from Rahul, Gill, Jurel, and Jadeja showcasing the depth and resilience of the batting lineup.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/sports/india-vs-west-indies-1st-test-day-2-report/story