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Smriti Mandhana departs in tame fashion after 104-run opening partnership in IND vs SA Women’s World Cup 2025 final [Watch]

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Team India’s opening batter Smriti Mandhana narrowly missed out on a half-century after getting dismissed by Chloe Tryon in the Women’s World Cup 2025 Final at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai on Sunday, November 2.

The left-handed opener was trying to play a cut shot when she nicked one, handing the opposition their first breakthrough following a brilliant 104-run partnership. Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma had provided India with a flying start after opposition skipper Laura Wolvaardt chose to bowl first.

While Mandhana played a more measured role, gradually switching gears, the returning Shafali Verma was explosive, capitalizing on the first powerplay with aggressive strokeplay.

Mandhana looked in solid touch against the spinners as they tried to tighten the middle overs. Despite India’s recent struggles against spin, especially left-arm spin, the duo coped well with the bowling of Nonkululeko Mlaba and Sune Luus.

Left-arm spinner Chloe Tryon was introduced into the attack in the 18th over. Mandhana took on Tryon immediately, smashing a boundary off just the second delivery. However, right after the 100-run stand was reached, Mandhana attempted the cut shot again, only to edge the ball to wicket-keeper Sinalo Jafta, who held on to the catch and ended the partnership.

Smriti Mandhana walked back after scoring 45 runs off 58 balls, including eight fours, at a strike rate of 77.59.

### Impressive World Cup Campaign for Mandhana

Smriti Mandhana concluded the Women’s World Cup 2025 with an outstanding run tally of 434 runs. After a slow start to the tournament, she found her rhythm and ended up as the highest run-scorer for India in a single edition of the competition.

This impressive total surpassed Mithali Raj’s 409 runs scored during the 2017 Women’s World Cup in England.

At the time of writing, India are well-placed at 137/1 in the 24th over. Shafali Verma received a second chance after Anneke Bosch dropped a routine catch at deep mid-wicket, keeping India’s innings on track in the final.
https://www.sportskeeda.com/cricket/news-smriti-mandhana-departs-tame-fashion-104-run-opening-partnership-ind-vs-sa-women-s-world-cup-2025-final-watch

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3 players for watch out for in IND-A vs SA-A 1st Unofficial Test 2025 ft. Rishabh Pant

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India ‘A’ vs South Africa ‘A’: First Unofficial Test Underway in Bengaluru

India ‘A’ is set to take on South Africa ‘A’ in a two-match unofficial Test series ahead of the Proteas’ upcoming tour of the subcontinent. The first first-class game kicked off on Thursday, October 30, at the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has named a strong squad across both matches, with most of the main Test squad members expected to feature in the second game.

In the opening Test, India ‘A’ won the toss and elected to bowl first. Anshul Kamboj provided an early breakthrough for the home side, putting the visitors on the back foot. However, South Africa ‘A’ have recovered well and currently stand at 153 for 2 in 39 overs, aiming to dominate the opening day’s play.

India ‘A’ Squad for the 1st Four-Day Match

  • Rishabh Pant (Captain & Wicketkeeper)
  • Ayush Mhatre
  • N Jagdeesan (Wicketkeeper)
  • Sai Sudharsan (Vice-Captain)
  • Devdutt Padikkal
  • Rajat Patidar
  • Harsh Dubey
  • Tanush Kotian
  • Manav Suthar
  • Khaleel Ahmed
  • Gurnoor Brar
  • Anshul Kamboj
  • Yash Thakur
  • Ayush Badoni
  • Saransh Jain

3 Players to Watch Out For in India ‘A’ vs South Africa ‘A’ – 1st Unofficial Test 2025

1. Rishabh Pant

The star wicket-keeper Rishabh Pant is making a much-anticipated return to competitive cricket after recovering from a foot fracture sustained during the fourth Test against England in the 2025 Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy. Pant not only returns to play but also leads the India ‘A’ team as they prepare for the upcoming home series against South Africa.

India ‘A’ batter Sai Sudharsan recently praised Pant’s fitness, stating he looks fitter than ever, which adds to the excitement around his comeback. Given his full recovery, Pant is expected to be an automatic pick for the senior Test squad. It will be interesting to see how quickly he sheds any rustiness.

Notably, Pant’s last significant injury layoff was due to a car accident, after which he quickly regained form, enjoying a stellar 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL) season and earning a spot in the 2024 T20 World Cup squad.

2. Rajat Patidar

Rajat Patidar, the flamboyant middle-order batter, is steadily climbing the ranks thanks to his recent consistent performances. He could soon break into the Indian middle-order if he maintains his form and a vacancy arises.

Patidar’s recent exploits include two centuries leading the Central Zone to victory in the 2025 Duleep Trophy and a fifty in the first innings of the Irani Trophy for the Rest of India team. He also kicked off his Ranji Trophy season with a commanding unbeaten century.

Coming into the India ‘A’ setup in such rich red-ball form, Patidar is definitely one of the players to keep an eye on against South Africa ‘A’. With India still debating the middle-order spots—contested by players like Dhruv Jurel and Devdutt Padikkal—Patidar could strengthen his claim with another solid showing in the upcoming matches.

3. Ayush Mhatre

Mumbai youngster Ayush Mhatre has fast-tracked his way into the India youth setup following an impressive 2025 IPL campaign with Chennai Super Kings (CSK). At just 18 years old, Mhatre has captained the India U-19 side on tours to England and Australia.

While he has had moments of inconsistency, Mhatre has compiled two hundreds and a fifty in his last 10 outings for India’s youth teams. Recently, he featured in Mumbai’s 2025-26 Ranji Trophy opener against Jammu and Kashmir, contributing useful cameos but missing the chance to build a big innings.

This match marks Mhatre’s debut in India ‘A’ colors, and it will be exciting to see how he performs against experienced bowlers like Tshepo Moreki, Lutho Sipamla, and Prenelan Subrayen, all of whom have international cricket experience.

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Stay tuned for more updates as the unofficial Test series between India ‘A’ and South Africa ‘A’ unfolds.
https://www.sportskeeda.com/cricket/3-players-watch-ind-a-vs-sa-a-1st-unofficial-test-2025-ft-rishabh-pant

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AFG vs BAN, 3rd ODI: Preview and stats

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**3rd ODI: Dominant Afghanistan Eye Historic Series Whitewash Over Bangladesh**
*By Parth Dhall | Oct 13, 2025 | 09:51 pm*

Afghanistan and Bangladesh are set to lock horns in the 3rd and final ODI at Abu Dhabi’s Sheikh Zayed Stadium. The Hashmatullah Shahidi-led Afghanistan side has dominated the series so far, securing an unassailable 2-0 lead after the first two games. In the second ODI, Afghanistan bowled Bangladesh out for just 109 runs while successfully defending a modest total of 190.

With the series already in their pocket, Afghanistan now eye their maiden ODI series whitewash. Bangladesh, on the other hand, have nothing more to lose and will look to salvage some pride in the final match.

### Match Preview

**Pitch Report and Conditions**
The pitches at Sheikh Zayed Stadium are generally slow, making it challenging for batters to hit boundaries consistently. While pacers get some movement early on, spinners tend to play a crucial role throughout the match. The conditions are expected to be hot once again, with no signs of rain disrupting the game.

### Teams Overview

**Afghanistan’s Bowling Strength**
Afghanistan’s success so far can largely be attributed to their bowlers. Azmatullah Omarzai has been impressive with six wickets in the series, while Rashid Khan made history with a five-wicket haul in the 2nd ODI. Despite their strong bowling performances, Afghanistan’s batting has struggled during the middle overs.

**Bangladesh’s Batting Woes**
Bangladesh continue to face challenges in finding consistent contributors in their batting line-up. Their top order faltered in the second ODI, which resulted in a disappointing defeat.

### Team News

**Afghanistan XI Update**
Rahmat Shah will miss the final ODI due to injury. Darwish Rasooli is expected to replace him in the middle order.

Probable Afghanistan XI:
– Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wicket-keeper)
– Ibrahim Zadran
– Sediqullah Atal
– Darwish Rasooli
– Hashmatullah Shahidi (captain)
– Azmatullah Omarzai
– Mohammad Nabi
– Rashid Khan
– AM Ghazanfar
– Nangeyalia Kharote
– Bashir Ahmad

**Bangladesh Probable XI:**
– Tanzid Hasan
– Saif Hassan
– Najmul Hossain Shanto
– Towhid Hridoy
– Mehidy Hasan Miraz (captain)
– Nurul Hasan (wicket-keeper)
– Jaker Ali
– Rishad Hossain
– Tanzim Hasan
– Tanvir Islam
– Mustafizur Rahman

### Notable Stats and Facts

– Rashid Khan is finally at his best, having taken eight wickets in the first two ODIs. He achieved a milestone in the 2nd ODI by becoming the leg-spinner with the second-most five-wicket hauls in ODI cricket.
– Afghanistan’s score of 190 in the 2nd ODI remains the lowest first innings total in 55 matches played at Abu Dhabi.
– The Afghan cricket team is on the verge of recording their first-ever series whitewash in ODI cricket.

The stage is set for an exciting finale as Afghanistan look to seal a historic 3-0 series victory against a struggling Bangladesh side. Fans can expect a thrilling contest at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/sports/afg-vs-ban-3rd-odi-preview/story

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‘Australia series could decide future of Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli,’ says Ravi Shastri

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**Will Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli Continue Playing After Australia ODIs?**
*By Parth Dhall | October 13, 2025, 07:13 PM*

Former India coach Ravi Shastri believes the upcoming ODI series against Australia will be a crucial juncture for two of Indian cricket’s greatest batting icons, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. With both players having retired from T20 Internationals and Test cricket, ODIs remain their only active international format. Shastri asserts that their future in this format hinges on their “form, fitness, and hunger” during this high-profile series Down Under.

### Series Significance: Fitness, Hunger, and Form Are Key
Speaking at Kayo Sport’s Summer of Cricket launch and in an exclusive conversation with cricket.com.au, Shastri emphasized the importance of the upcoming ODI series for Rohit and Kohli. He said,

*”That’s why they’re here (playing the ODI series against Australia). They’re part of the mix. It depends on their fitness, their hunger, and, of course, form.”*

The former coach also drew parallels with Australia’s Steve Smith, who retired from ODI cricket earlier this year, highlighting how fitness and motivation are critical for longevity in the format.

### Experience Matters in Big Games
Shastri underlined the irreplaceable value of experience when it comes to high-pressure matches. He remarked,

*”But there’s no substitute for experience when it comes to the big games, as we saw in the Champions Trophy. Come the big games and the big boys step up.”*

Notably, both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli played pivotal roles in India’s recent successes, including the 2024 ICC T20 World Cup and the 2025 Champions Trophy.

### Emerging Young Talent Challenging the Veterans
Alongside praising the veterans, Shastri also lauded the fresh wave of talent pushing for spots in the ODI squad. Young batsmen like Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, and Tilak Varma have shown promising potential. Shastri further appreciated India’s all-round options, mentioning Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, and Axar Patel as key contributors.

He said, *”A lot of good young talent and a lot of all-rounders as well in Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, and Axar Patel.”*

### Match Schedule: India vs Australia ODI Series
– **1st ODI:** October 19, Perth
– **2nd ODI:** October 23, Adelaide
– **3rd ODI:** October 25, Sydney

Following the ODI series, India will play a five-match T20I series against Australia starting on October 29 in Canberra.

### Squad Update: Shubman Gill to Lead India in ODIs
In a recent change, Shubman Gill has been appointed as India’s ODI captain for the tour of Australia, replacing Rohit Sharma. Shreyas Iyer will serve as the vice-captain.

**India’s ODI squad for Australia tour:**
– Shubman Gill (Captain)
– Rohit Sharma
– Virat Kohli
– Shreyas Iyer (Vice-Captain)
– Axar Patel
– KL Rahul (Wicket-Keeper)
– Nitish Kumar Reddy
– Washington Sundar
– Kuldeep Yadav
– Harshit Rana
– Mohammed Siraj
– Arshdeep Singh
– Prasidh Krishna
– Dhruv Jurel (Wicket-Keeper)
– Yashasvi Jaiswal

As the series approaches, all eyes will be on Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to see if they can prove their fitness, form, and hunger to continue representing India in ODIs, amidst fierce competition from emerging young stars.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/sports/ravi-shastri-talks-about-future-of-rohit-sharma-virat-kohli/story