Cricket News Today: Rashid’s 200th T20I Wicket, MI Overhaul & Inglis Century

Rashid Khan Becomes First Bowler to Take 200 Men's T20I Wickets

Afghanistan leg-spinner Rashid Khan made history by becoming the first bowler to capture 200 wickets in men's Twenty20 Internationals. He accomplished the milestone in his 120th T20I appearance during the second T20I of the series against Zimbabwe at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium.

Rashid secured the landmark 200th wicket in the ninth over of the innings when he trapped Zimbabwe wicketkeeper-batter Tadiwanashe Marumani lbw for two. The feat ensures Rashid remains clear at the top of the all-time men's T20I wicket-taking list, extending his lead over second-placed Adil Rashid of England.

Why it matters: It sets a new historical benchmark in men's T20I bowling.

Mumbai Indians Part Ways with Malinga, Mhambrey and Hopkinson

Mumbai Indians have officially announced that bowling coaches Lasith Malinga and Paras Mhambrey, together with fielding coach Carl Hopkinson, are departing from the men's coaching setup. The franchise confirmed the major coaching overhaul ahead of the IPL 2027 mini-auction as they begin preparations for the next tournament cycle.

The coaching transitions follow the recent appointment of Kieron Pollard as Mumbai Indians' new head coach. The franchise formally acknowledged the work of all three departing staff members, thanking Malinga, Mhambrey, and Hopkinson for their service and contributions across their respective stints with the team.

“Mumbai Indians extend their heartfelt gratitude to Lasith, Paras and Carl for their contributions to the team and the wider MI family.”

Mumbai Indians

Why it matters: It reshapes Mumbai Indians' support staff under new head coach Kieron Pollard ahead of the IPL 2027 mini-auction.

Lockie Ferguson and Matt Henry Sidelined from India T20Is with Injuries

New Zealand fast bowler Lockie Ferguson has been ruled out of the final two T20Is against India after scans confirmed a low-grade tear in his right calf. Ferguson sustained the injury during the second match of the series in Christchurch. Matt Fisher has been permanently drafted into the squad as his replacement for the remainder of the series.

Additionally, New Zealand Cricket confirmed that fellow pacer Matt Henry will miss the rest of the T20I series due to a low-grade quadriceps tear. However, Henry remains on track to be available for the upcoming ODI series.

“We're gutted for Lockie and Matt. Injuries are part and parcel of international cricket, but it doesn't make it any easier when you have to miss games. Fortunately for Matt, he was already going to sit out on the rest of the T20Is with an eye to his big summer schedule, and we're hopeful he'll still play a key role in the ODIs.”

Rob Walter

Why it matters: It forces New Zealand to adjust their fast-bowling lineup against India while testing their squad depth.

Josh Inglis Scores Centuries Across All Three Formats for Australia

Australian wicketkeeper-batter Josh Inglis scored 102 runs off 135 balls against South Africa on day three of the third Test at Newlands in Cape Town. His innings guided Australia to a total of 429 all out, establishing a crucial 100-run first-innings lead in the series decider.

With this knock, Inglis became the first Australian cricketer in history to register multiple centuries across all three international formats: Tests, ODIs, and T20Is. The achievement capped a standout display that put Australia in a strong position in the contest against South Africa.

Why it matters: It makes Inglis the first Australian player to hit multiple hundreds in every international format.

Steve Smith Sidelined Until December Following Neck Injury Diagnosis

Cricket Australia announced that veteran batter Steve Smith will be sidelined from international cricket until December's home Test series against New Zealand. Scans confirmed that Smith suffered a cervical facet joint injury in his neck. He will undergo treatment and rehabilitation over the coming weeks to recover.

Smith initially developed neck pain during the second Test match in Gqeberha. He subsequently failed a late fitness test ahead of the series decider against South Africa in Cape Town, ruling him out of the current match and keeping him out of action until the home summer.

“Steve Smith developed neck pain on day four of the second Test in Gqeberha last week. Subsequent MRI imaging confirmed a cervical facet joint injury. Due to this and his limited range of motion, he was unfit to participate in the current Test.”

Cricket Australia

Why it matters: Australia will be without their experienced batter until their home Test series against New Zealand in December.

Tilak Varma Discusses Finisher Role and India's Target for Series Sweep

Speaking ahead of the fourth T20I against New Zealand, India batter Tilak Varma outlined his ongoing adjustment to batting lower down the order at number five or six. Varma emphasised that the team is fully determined to maintain high performance standards and complete a 5–0 clean sweep in the five-match series.

Varma added that head coach Gautam Gambhir has set clear expectations for the squad. According to Varma, Gambhir stated that the standards demonstrated by the T20I side will set the tone for the team's upcoming ODI and Test fixtures against their opponents.

Why it matters: It highlights India's tactical approach down the order and their goal of finishing the T20I series undefeated.

BCCI Evaluates Expanding Women's Premier League Beyond Five Franchises

BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia announced that the board will conduct brainstorming sessions to consider expanding the Women's Premier League beyond five teams starting next year. The move follows the recent WPL 2027 auction in Kochi, where approximately 150 players were in contention but only 25 could be accommodated across the existing five franchises.

Saikia noted that adding new teams would provide valuable opportunities for India's rapidly growing domestic talent pool. He highlighted that this expanded platform comes at an ideal time for the sport, with the national side having recently celebrated winning the Women's ODI World Cup.

“There are about 150 players in the fray and hardly 25-27 could be accommodated. Many talented players were left out. So, we can clearly see that five teams are too few compared to the growing pool of women cricketers.”

Devajit Saikia

Why it matters: An expanded tournament would create more roster spots for domestic players following India's Women's ODI World Cup triumph.

Ben Duckett Hits 167 as England Beat Sri Lanka in Tri-Series Dead Rubber

England concluded their campaign in the Pakistan ODI Tri-Series with a 55-run consolation victory over Sri Lanka at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. Opening batter Ben Duckett struck 167 off 132 deliveries, powering England to a venue-record total of 386 for 5 in their innings.

In reply, Sri Lanka were bowled out for 331 despite Pavan Rathnayake scoring 118. England bowler Liam Dawson delivered a decisive performance with the ball, claiming figures of 4 for 49 to seal the victory and bring England's tri-series appearance to a positive close.

Why it matters: It closes England's tri-series campaign with a venue-record total in Lahore.

ICC Confirms Schedule and Format for 10-Team Women's Emerging Nations Trophy

The International Cricket Council announced the schedule and format for the 2026 Women's Emerging Nations Trophy, which will take place in Ajman, United Arab Emirates, from November 12 to 25. The tournament features an expanded 10-team structure comprising five ICC Full Member sides and five Associate members.

Group A includes Sri Lanka, Ireland, Scotland, Papua New Guinea, and the United Arab Emirates. Group B consists of Pakistan, Bangladesh, Thailand, the Netherlands, and Zimbabwe. The expanded event offers crucial international competition across two groups of five nations in Ajman.

Why it matters: It provides expanded tournament exposure for emerging Full Member and Associate women's teams in Ajman.

Max O'Dowd Reprimanded by ICC for Showing Dissent Against Oman

Netherlands opening batter Max O'Dowd received an official reprimand and one demerit point for breaching Level 1 of the ICC Code of Conduct during a Cricket World Cup League 2 match against Oman in Dubai. The sanction was administered following an on-field reaction during the Dutch batting innings.

After being given out leg-before wicket in the 12th over, O'Dowd showed his bat to the umpire to indicate that he had edged the delivery. O'Dowd subsequently admitted the Article 2.8 offence of showing dissent and accepted the penalty proposed by match referee Phil Whitticase.

Why it matters: It shows strict enforcement of umpire respect and conduct rules in ICC League 2 matches.