In cricket news today, India secured an unassailable 3-0 T20I series lead against New Zealand following a dominant run chase in Wellington led by Abhishek Sharma. Meanwhile, the latest ICC rankings saw Smriti Mandhana lose the top batting spot in women's ODIs, though Harmanpreet Kaur and Deepti Sharma made steady gains. Off the field, the player pool for the upcoming Women's Premier League auction in Kochi was officially confirmed, while Sri Lanka booked their place in the tri-series final in Lahore by knocking England out.
Abhishek Sharma Century Powers India to T20I Series Victory in Wellington
India secured an unassailable 3-0 lead in the five-match T20I series against New Zealand with a six-wicket win in Wellington. Chasing a target of 199, opener Abhishek Sharma struck 113 runs off just 38 deliveries to put the visitors in complete command.
Abhishek partnered with Vaibhav Sooryavanshi to build a 133-run opening stand in only 7.1 overs. India completed the chase in 13.2 overs, finishing the contest with 40 balls remaining.
“Getting 100 in five overs – I have not seen that before at the international level”
Shreyas Iyer
Why it matters: The result seals the five-match series for India with two games still left to play.
↑ HeadlinesSmriti Mandhana Slips from Top Spot in ICC Women's ODI Batting Rankings
Smriti Mandhana has lost the No. 1 ranking in the ICC Women's ODI batting list, allowing South Africa captain Laura Wolvaardt to return to the summit. Mandhana dropped down after registering scores of 32 and 0 during India's home ODI series against Zimbabwe.
The latest ranking update also brought positive movement for other Indian cricketers. India captain Harmanpreet Kaur rose two places to eighth position, while all-rounder Deepti Sharma advanced to fourth place in the ODI all-rounder rankings.
Why it matters: Indian fans see changes at the top of the batting table ahead of future international assignments.
↑ HeadlinesIshan Kishan Sidelined from Third New Zealand T20I Due to Adductor Strain
Wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan was ruled out of India's third T20I against New Zealand in Wellington because of a low-grade right adductor strain. The BCCI stated that the injury occurred during the opening match of the series.
Kishan has not yet regained full match fitness and remains under the observation of the BCCI medical team. Uncapped wicketkeeper Kumar Kushagra stayed with the national squad in New Zealand as cover during the match.
“Ishan Kishan is recovering well from his low grade right adductor strain, which he sustained during the first T20I of the series against New Zealand.”
BCCI
Why it matters: It keeps Kishan out of action as India monitor his fitness for the remainder of the tour.
↑ HeadlinesAbhishek Sharma Responds to Yuvraj Singh Comments After Wellington Knock
Following India's six-wicket victory over New Zealand in Wellington, former India all-rounder Yuvraj Singh playfully teased Abhishek Sharma for failing to beat his famous 12-ball half-century record. Abhishek had registered a 35-ball hundred during the run chase.
Speaking at the post-match presentation, Abhishek took the remarks with good humor. He pointed out the sheer difficulty of matching or repeating such rapid milestones in competitive cricket.
Why it matters: The friendly exchange shows the dynamic between the young opener and his mentor after a match-winning innings.
↑ HeadlinesSri Lanka Defeat Pakistan in Lahore to Seal Spot in Tri-Series Final
Sri Lanka clinched a spot in the tri-series final by recording an eight-wicket victory over Pakistan at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. Left-arm seamer Dilshan Madushanka picked up a career-best five wickets for 34 runs to bowl Pakistan out for 110 inside 26 overs.
Chasing 111, Sri Lanka reached the target in 18.1 overs. Kamindu Mendis anchored the innings with an unbeaten 62, a result that confirmed a Pakistan versus Sri Lanka final and eliminated England from the event.
“Unfortunately, for the last three or four games we are collapsing at the top order. We have three days now and we can practice. We will come back in the final and bat stronger. We need to forget this game quickly and take the positives from the previous games.”
Shaheen Shah Afridi
Why it matters: The victory ends England's campaign and sets up the tournament final between Sri Lanka and Pakistan.
↑ HeadlinesWPL 2027 Auction Player Pool Confirmed with 146 Cricketers Listed
A total of 146 players will be available at the Women's Premier League 2027 auction, scheduled for October 28 at the Grand Hyatt in Kochi. The five franchises will compete to fill 27 open squad places, consisting of 20 Indian spots and seven overseas slots.
UP Warriorz enter the event with the biggest available purse of Rs 3.75 crore. England's Sophia Dunkley and Australia's Sophie Molineux feature in the highest base-price bracket set at Rs 50 lakh.
Why it matters: Franchises will finalize their remaining squad members ahead of the next edition of the league.
↑ HeadlinesRichard Kettleborough Reaches Milestone of 100 Tests as On-Field Umpire
Umpire Richard Kettleborough officiated his 100th Test match during the World Test Championship series decider between South Africa and Australia in Cape Town. The 53-year-old became only the fifth umpire in cricket history to reach the century mark in men's Tests.
Kettleborough joins Aleem Dar, Steve Bucknor, Rudi Koertzen, and Rod Tucker in reaching the milestone. The International Cricket Council acknowledged his service spanning more than 15 years in international cricket.
Why it matters: It marks a rare milestone achieved by only five match officials in the history of Test cricket.
↑ HeadlinesPathum Nissanka Ruled Out of Pakistan Tests, Lahiru Udara Drafted In
Sri Lanka opening batter Pathum Nissanka has been ruled out of the upcoming two-match Test series in Pakistan due to a left hamstring injury. Nissanka was initially named in the 15-member group subject to passing fitness clearances, but failed to recover in time.
Sri Lanka Cricket named fellow opener Lahiru Udara as his replacement in the Test setup. Udara was already in Pakistan as a member of Sri Lanka's touring ODI squad.
Why it matters: Sri Lanka must adjust their top order without their primary opener for the two Tests in Pakistan.
↑ HeadlinesStuart Broad Questions Lancashire Over James Anderson Contract Decision
Stuart Broad voiced criticism over Lancashire County Cricket Club's choice to not renew James Anderson's contract, ending a 26-year association. Anderson had collected 50 County Championship wickets across the season before being informed of the separation.
Speaking on a podcast, Broad stated that the club handled the communication poorly and displayed a lack of leadership. Anderson had previously confirmed that the decision to leave was made entirely by the club.
“I think it's a pretty disrespectful way for Lancashire to deliver that news to him”
Stuart Broad
Why it matters: The departure of English cricket's leading wicket-taker after over two decades has drawn public scrutiny from his long-time bowling partner.
↑ HeadlinesChamari Athapaththu Joins Hobart Hurricanes for WBBL Campaign
Defending WBBL champions Hobart Hurricanes signed Sri Lanka captain Chamari Athapaththu as an overseas replacement player for the 2026-27 season. Athapaththu comes in for England's Danni Wyatt-Hodge, who suffered a calf injury.
The Hurricanes also added emerging wicketkeeper-batter Kate Pelle to their squad. Both players joined the group ahead of the team's opening fixture scheduled to take place in Melbourne.
“To be able to bring in someone of Chamari's quality and experience is a fantastic result for the Hurricanes,”
Salliann Beams
Why it matters: The Hurricanes gain an experienced international captain to cover an injury in their title defense.
↑ HeadlinesQuick hits
- Steve Smith was ruled out of Australia's deciding Test against South Africa in Cape Town due to neck stiffness, with Josh Inglis taking his place in the side.
- The BCCI directed state associations to introduce welfare and development initiatives for differently-abled cricketers following discussions at its 95th Annual General Meeting.
- Arshdeep Singh equaled Joshua Little's record of 39 T20I wickets in a calendar year by a Full Member bowler after taking one for 33 in Wellington.
- The World Anti-Doping Agency elevated the International Cricket Council to Tier 1 status following cricket's inclusion in the Olympic Games.
- Mitchell Starc took six for 72 to dismiss South Africa for 329 on the opening day of the third Test in Cape Town.
Frequently asked questions
What was the result of India's third T20I against New Zealand?
India defeated New Zealand by six wickets in Wellington to take an unassailable 3-0 series lead. Abhishek Sharma scored 113 runs off 38 deliveries as India chased 199 in 13.2 overs.
Why did Smriti Mandhana drop from the No. 1 ICC ODI ranking?
Mandhana slipped to second after registering scores of 32 and 0 in India's home ODI series against Zimbabwe, allowing South Africa's Laura Wolvaardt to reclaim the top spot.
When and where is the WPL 2027 auction taking place?
The auction is scheduled for October 28 at the Grand Hyatt in Kochi. A total of 146 players will compete for 27 available spots across five teams.
Why was Ishan Kishan absent from the Wellington T20I?
Kishan missed the match due to a low-grade right adductor strain sustained during the first T20I of the series against New Zealand.
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