In cricket news today, India took a 2-0 series lead against New Zealand with a thrilling four-wicket win in Christchurch, powered by late heroics from Tilak Varma and Nitish Kumar Reddy. Earlier in the chase, Abhishek Sharma created history by becoming the first batter to hit 100 powerplay sixes in men's T20Is. Elsewhere, Mumbai Indians appointed Kieron Pollard as their head coach for IPL 2027, Pakistan dropped several senior players for their upcoming Test series, and Afghanistan climbed above England in the ICC Men's ODI rankings.
Kieron Pollard appointed Mumbai Indians head coach for IPL 2027
Mumbai Indians have named former West Indies all-rounder Kieron Pollard as their head coach ahead of the IPL 2027 season. Pollard replaces Mahela Jayawardene following the Sri Lankan's departure from the role.
Pollard previously won five IPL titles during 13 seasons as a player for Mumbai Indians and served four seasons as batting coach. MI co-owner Nita Ambani confirmed the appointment in Mumbai, backing Pollard to lead the team into its next chapter.
“Having experienced this journey as a player and then as a coach, I understand what Mumbai Indians stands for and the responsibility that comes with representing the Blue and Gold.”
Kieron Pollard
Why it matters: It brings a decorated franchise legend into the top coaching role at Mumbai Indians.
↑ HeadlinesTilak Varma and Nitish Kumar Reddy seal India's win over New Zealand
India secured a four-wicket victory against New Zealand at Hagley Oval in Christchurch to take a 2-0 lead in the five-match T20I series. Chasing 181, India slipped to 112/6 before Tilak Varma (51 not out) and Nitish Kumar Reddy (26 not out) shared an unbroken 69-run stand off 30 deliveries to win with one ball remaining.
Earlier in the match, New Zealand recovered from 41/3 through Glenn Phillips (70) and Bevon Jacobs (58) to set India a competitive target.
Why it matters: The victory gives India a commanding 2-0 advantage in the five-match T20I series.
↑ HeadlinesShreyas Iyer praises team resilience after Christchurch T20I win
India captain Shreyas Iyer lauded his squad's fighting spirit after overcoming a precarious position of 70/5 to defeat New Zealand in Christchurch. The four-wicket win in the second T20I handed India a 2-0 series cushion.
Unbeaten batting from Tilak Varma and Nitish Kumar Reddy completed the chase of 181 with one ball to spare. Iyer pointed to the match-winning mentality present across the entire roster and also highlighted Naman Dhir's contributions.
Why it matters: It underlines the depth and fighting spirit in India's T20I setup during tight run chases.
↑ HeadlinesAbhishek Sharma sets world record with 100 T20I powerplay sixes
India opener Abhishek Sharma became the first cricketer in men's T20 Internationals to reach 100 sixes in the powerplay. He reached the milestone during the second T20I against New Zealand at Hagley Oval by hitting Matt Henry over extra cover in the third over of the chase.
This stroke moved Abhishek past Rohit Sharma's record of 98 powerplay sixes. During the innings, Abhishek also became the second Indian batter to cross 1,000 T20I runs in the calendar year 2026.
Why it matters: It establishes Abhishek Sharma as one of the most prolific powerplay hitters in T20I history.
↑ HeadlinesAyush Mhatre undergoes hamstring surgery, out for three to four months
Mumbai opening batter and vice-captain Ayush Mhatre has undergone surgery in Mumbai for a Grade 4 tear in his right hamstring. The 19-year-old is now expected to miss three to four months of action.
Mhatre suffered the recurrent injury while running between wickets during Mumbai's Ranji Trophy match against Chandigarh. The surgical procedure was completed by Dr. Dinshaw Pardiwala at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital.
Why it matters: Mumbai lose a key young top-order batter and vice-captain for a significant portion of the domestic season.
↑ HeadlinesICC announces 2028 Olympic qualification window and 2029 WTC final dates
The International Cricket Council confirmed key scheduling updates following board meetings in Dubai. The qualifying tournaments for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics are set for January–February 2028, while the 2029 World Test Championship final will take place in England from June 8 to 12.
The ICC also shifted the 2030 Men's T20 World Cup window to July–August. In the Olympic pathway, if host nation USA fails to meet top-15 ranking requirements by December 31, 2026, the women's spot will be awarded through the 2027 Women's Champions Trophy in India.
Why it matters: It sets the competitive timeline for cricket's return to the Olympic Games and future ICC finals.
↑ HeadlinesPakistan drop Shan Masood and Mohammad Rizwan for Sri Lanka Tests
The Pakistan Cricket Board named a 14-player squad for the upcoming two-match home Test series against Sri Lanka, leaving out prominent names including Shan Masood, Mohammad Rizwan, Sajid Khan, and Noman Ali.
Uncapped domestic batters Mohammad Taha, Mohammad Suleman, and Sameer Minhas were included in the squad, while former T20I captain Salman Ali Agha earned a recall to the Test group.
Why it matters: Pakistan's selection signals a major reshaping of their Test squad by moving away from senior players.
↑ HeadlinesAfghanistan win tri-series final and overtake England in ODI rankings
Afghanistan claimed the tri-series title in Sharjah with a seven-wicket victory over Zimbabwe. Chasing 170, Afghanistan completed the task in 34.3 overs thanks to an unbeaten 70 from Ibrahim Zadran.
Zimbabwe were previously bowled out for 169 in 43.3 overs, with Rashid Khan claiming 3 for 41. The victory moved Afghanistan up to seventh in the official ICC Men's ODI team rankings with 94 points, pushing England down to eighth place.
Why it matters: Afghanistan continue their rise in one-day cricket by overtaking a top-tier nation in the global rankings.
↑ HeadlinesBCB writes to ACB over alleged extra over in Under-19 match
The Bangladesh Cricket Board lodged a formal protest with the Afghanistan Cricket Board after Afghanistan Under-19 captain Sohail Khan allegedly bowled an 11th over during a 50-over fixture in Muscat.
Bangladesh officials met with match referee Yasir Latifzai and presented video footage showing the over was credited to Shah Faisal Rahimi by the official scorer. Bangladesh Under-19 coach Hannan Sarkar noted that team officials also raised umpiring concerns in the captain's report.
“We have written about the umpiring decisions in the captain's report, and added a special note, specifically mentioning the eleven overs in question”
Hannan Sarkar
Why it matters: It highlights an official dispute between two cricket boards over an alleged procedural and scoring error.
↑ HeadlinesArgentina Women defeat Mexico in first bilateral T20I tour match
Argentina Women began their inaugural bilateral T20I tour of Mexico with a victory at the Complejo Municipal de Béisbol in Texcoco.
Argentina captain María Castiñeiras led from the front with 87 runs off 46 deliveries. The Argentine bowlers followed up by dismissing Mexico for 37 runs in 11.4 overs to secure the result.
Why it matters: It marks a successful start to Argentina Women's first-ever bilateral T20I series against Mexico.
↑ HeadlinesQuick hits
- Tilak Varma set a new men's T20I world record for the most catches in a calendar year by taking his 2026 tally to 26 during the second T20I against New Zealand.
- Australian vice-captain Travis Head called for top-order partnerships ahead of the series-deciding Test against South Africa at Newlands following an innings defeat in Gqeberha.
Frequently asked questions
Who is the new head coach of Mumbai Indians for IPL 2027?
Kieron Pollard was appointed Mumbai Indians head coach ahead of the IPL 2027 season, taking over after the departure of Mahela Jayawardene.
What record did Abhishek Sharma break against New Zealand?
Abhishek Sharma became the first batter in men's T20 Internationals to hit 100 powerplay sixes, surpassing Rohit Sharma's mark of 98.
When is the 2029 World Test Championship final scheduled to take place?
The ICC has scheduled the 2029 World Test Championship final in England from June 8 to 12.
Why is Ayush Mhatre ruled out of cricket action?
Ayush Mhatre underwent surgery for a Grade 4 tear in his right hamstring, sustained during a Ranji Trophy match against Chandigarh, and is sidelined for three to four months.
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