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Women’s World Cup: Can Bangladesh upset Australia in Visakhapatnam?

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Women’s World Cup: Can Bangladesh Upset Australia in Visakhapatnam?

By Rajdeep Saha | Oct 16, 2025 | 01:51 am

Bangladesh are all set to take on the reigning champions Australia in their next Women’s ODI World Cup match. This encounter will be a crucial test of Bangladesh’s growth as a team, especially after their narrow losses against England and South Africa in this edition of the tournament.

The last time these two teams met was in 2022, when Bangladesh put up a strong fight despite defending a modest total of 135 runs in a rain-affected match.

Player Spotlight

Key Players to Watch Out For

For Bangladesh, Marufa Akter will be a key player with the new ball. She has experienced a bit of a rough patch after making early breakthroughs against England and Pakistan, but remains a significant threat.

On the Australian side, Phoebe Litchfield is one of the young talents to keep an eye on. Although her start in her maiden ODI World Cup was somewhat subdued, the batting-friendly conditions in Visakhapatnam could help her find form, as runs have been flowing and quick bowlers have been dispatched.

Match Preview: Team News and Pitch Report

Australia are expected to stick with the same winning XI that defeated India recently, covering all bases with a balanced spin and pace attack.

Bangladesh came close to pulling off a victory against South Africa on this ground just days ago, showing significant progress. The pitches in Visakhapatnam have been generally run-friendly, offering some early swing for the seamers and good assistance for spinners when they bowl at a controlled pace below 80 km/h.

Australia and Bangladesh’s World Cup Journey So Far

Australia currently sit second in the standings, having remained unbeaten in their four matches. They have secured three victories, while one match against Sri Lanka was washed out.

Bangladesh started their campaign with an encouraging win over Pakistan but then suffered defeats against top teams like England, New Zealand, and South Africa. Notably, their games against England and South Africa were closely contested, suggesting their improvement and resilience.

Stats: Australian Players Approaching Milestones

  • Ellyse Perry is 86 runs short of reaching 4,500 runs in WODIs, maintaining an impressive average of 49.04.
  • Alyssa Healy, in 121 matches, has scored 3,445 runs and needs just 55 more to reach 3,500.
  • Beth Mooney is 89 runs shy of the 3,000-run milestone in WODIs.
  • Ashleigh Gardner is close to 1,500 runs, currently at 1,487 runs with an average of 30.34.
  • Megan Schutt is four wickets away from becoming Australia’s third-highest wicket-taker in WODIs.

Probable XIs

Australia (probable): Alyssa Healy (captain & wicketkeeper), Phoebe Litchfield, Ellyse Perry, Beth Mooney, Annabel Sutherland, Ashleigh Gardner, Tahlia McGrath, Sophie Molineux/Georgia Wareham, Kim Garth, Alana King, Megan Schutt.

Bangladesh (probable): Fargana Hoque, Rubya Haider, Sharmin Akhter, Nigar Sultana (captain & wicketkeeper), Shorna Akter, Sobhana Mostary, Rabeya Khan, Ritu Moni, Fahima Khatun, Nahida Akter, Marufa Akter.

Head-to-Head Record

These two teams have faced each other four times in Women’s ODIs. Australia boasts a clean 4-0 winning record against Bangladesh and are yet to suffer a defeat. The pair have met once before in the Women’s World Cup.

As Bangladesh look to create an upset against the champions on a familiar pitch, the match promises to be an exciting contest with high stakes for both sides.

https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/sports/bangladesh-and-australia-meet-each-other-in-women-s-world-cup/story

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ICC Women’s World Cup: Rain denies Pakistan victory over England

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**ICC Women’s World Cup: Rain Denies Pakistan Victory Over England**

*By Rajdeep Saha | October 15, 2025, 10:23 pm*

Rain played spoilsport in Match 16 of the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 held at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Wednesday. Pakistan looked dominant against England and appeared well set for a victory. However, the weather had the final say, with rain denying Pakistan a possible win.

England initially struggled, finding themselves at 79/7 after 25 overs before rain interrupted play. The match was then reduced to 31 overs per side. After resumption, England fought back to reach 133/9, recovering from 75/5 in the six overs they batted after the delay.

In response, Pakistan’s openers started strongly, scoring 34 runs without loss in 6.4 overs. Unfortunately for Pakistan, rain returned and forced the match to be called off, resulting in a no result.

### Match Highlights: England Manage 133/9 as Fatima Sana Shines with the Ball

England’s innings was marked by regular loss of wickets as Pakistan maintained pressure throughout. Charlie Dean was England’s top scorer with a resilient 33 runs. Pakistan’s captain Fatima Sana was the standout performer with the ball, claiming an impressive four-wicket haul, finishing with figures of 4/27 from 6 overs. Sadia Iqbal also made an impact, taking 2/16 from her six overs, which included two maidens.

### Standings Update: England Top, Pakistan At The Bottom

Following this match, England remain at the top of the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 standings. They are unbeaten after four matches, accumulating 7 points and boasting a superior net run rate (NRR) of +1.864, edging out Australia who are in second place.

On the other hand, Pakistan continue to struggle, sitting at the bottom of the table with just one point from three games (one no result and three losses).

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Stay tuned for more updates as the tournament progresses.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/sports/pakistan-and-england-women-s-world-cup-game-gets-washed-out/story

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Premier League, Chelsea stun Liverpool 2-1 at Stamford Bridge: Stats

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By Rajdeep Saha | Oct 05, 2025, 01:17 AM

**Chelsea Stun Liverpool with Last-Minute Winner from Estevao in Thrilling Premier League Clash**

In a thrilling Premier League encounter at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, October 5, 2025, Chelsea stunned Liverpool with a dramatic last-minute winner from Estevao. The home side took the lead through Moises Caicedo in the first half, but Liverpool fought back with an equalizer from Cody Gakpo in the second. Ultimately, it was Estevao’s stoppage-time strike that sealed a memorable 2-1 victory for Chelsea.

### Match Highlights

**Caicedo Gives Chelsea the Lead**

The match began cautiously, with both teams feeling each other out before an exciting contest developed. Chelsea broke the deadlock in the 14th minute when Moises Caicedo unleashed a stunning long-range shot that hit the top left corner of the net.

Liverpool responded quickly, nearly equalizing in the 18th minute through Cody Gakpo, whose shot from the left flank was expertly blocked by the Chelsea defense.

**Second Half Drama**

Chelsea looked to extend their lead before the break, with Alejandro Garnacho’s effort rattling the post in the 38th minute. Liverpool’s Alexander Isak also had a golden chance just before halftime, but his header sailed over the crossbar.

The second half started with Liverpool on the front foot. Mohamed Salah came close to leveling the score when his strike hit the side netting, keeping the game finely poised.

Liverpool finally drew level in the 63rd minute when Alexander Isak provided a perfect assist for Gakpo, who finished clinically.

The match remained intense as both teams created opportunities, but it was Estevao who emerged as the hero in stoppage time. Scoring from a low cross delivered by Marc Cucurella in the 95th minute, Estevao’s winner sent the Stamford Bridge crowd into raptures. Chelsea coach Enzo Maresca celebrated wildly on the touchline, delighted by the blow to the Premier League holders.

### Match Details and Stats

– Chelsea recorded 12 attempts with 6 shots on target.
– Liverpool managed 12 attempts but only 2 shots on target.
– In the opposition box, Chelsea had 22 shots compared to Liverpool’s 24.
– Chelsea held 53% possession while Liverpool had 47%.
– Chelsea earned 7 corners against Liverpool’s 2.

### Premier League Standings Update

Following this result, Liverpool sit 2nd in the Premier League with 15 points from 7 matches (W5 D0 L2). Chelsea are sixth with 11 points (W3 D2 L2).

### Opta Stats and Key Records

– Chelsea remain unbeaten in their last 5 Premier League matches against Liverpool (W2 D3).
– This marks Chelsea’s first victory over the Premier League holders since a 1-0 win at Anfield in March 2021.
– The Blues have recorded back-to-back league wins against Liverpool for the first time since November 2014.
– Liverpool are winless in their last 5 Premier League matches at Stamford Bridge.
– This is Chelsea’s second successive league win against Liverpool at home.

Chelsea’s late drama not only delights their fans but also signals a potential shift in momentum in one of the Premier League’s most storied rivalries.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/sports/chelsea-beat-liverpool-in-premier-league/story

cricket, international, sports, women, worldcup

‘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

cricket, international, sports, women, worldcup

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

cricket, india, international, sports, west indies

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

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**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.

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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