The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has appointed Subhadeep Ghosh as the new fielding coach of the Indian men’s cricket team, replacing T Dilip, whose contract was not renewed following India’s tour of Zimbabwe.

Ghosh will officially begin his tenure during India’s upcoming two-match Test series against Sri Lanka later this month.

Replaces T Dilip in Gautam Gambhir’s Support Staff

The appointment comes as part of changes to Gautam Gambhir’s coaching setup after India’s recent white-ball tours.

Earlier, assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate also departed the support staff, making Ghosh the latest addition to the national team coaching group.

India’s current coaching staff now includes:

• Head Coach: Gautam Gambhir
• Batting Coach: Sitanshu Kotak
• Bowling Coach: Morne Morkel
• Fielding Coach: Subhadeep Ghosh

Vast Coaching Experience Across Indian Cricket

The 57-year-old brings extensive coaching experience to the role.

A former Assam and Railways cricketer, Ghosh played 17 first-class matches between 1994 and 2004 before moving into coaching.

Over the years, he has worked with several Indian teams, including:

• National Cricket Academy (NCA)
• India A team
• Indian women’s team
• Delhi Capitals (IPL)
• Kolkata Knight Riders (IPL)

He also served as the head coach of the Assam senior men’s team, earning praise for his work in developing domestic talent.

ACA Hails Ghosh’s Appointment

The Assam Cricket Association (ACA) welcomed Ghosh’s appointment, calling it a proud moment for cricket in the state.

In an official statement, the ACA said Ghosh has built an impressive coaching career across multiple Indian teams and age-group sides through his dedication and expertise.

The association added that his elevation to the national team would inspire aspiring cricketers and coaches from Assam and across the Northeast.

Sri Lanka Test Series to Be His First Assignment

Ghosh’s first assignment with the senior national team will be India’s two-Test series in Sri Lanka.

The series begins on August 15 in Galle, followed by the second Test in Colombo starting on August 23.

The tour will mark the beginning of a new chapter for India’s fielding unit under Ghosh’s guidance.

• Subhadeep Ghosh Appointed India Fielding Coach Ahead of Sri Lanka Test Series
• Rajat Patidar to Lead Central Zone in Duleep Trophy 2026; Rinku Singh Named Vice-Captain
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• ICC Men’s ODI World Cup 2027 Venues Announced: South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia Ready to Host Cricket’s Biggest Event
• Bangladesh Appoint Litton Das as ODI Captain; Mehidy Hasan Miraz Relieved of Leadership Role

Defending champions Central Zone have named Rajat Patidar as captain for the 2026 Duleep Trophy, with India batter Rinku Singh appointed as vice-captain for the prestigious inter-zonal red-ball tournament.

The squad also features recent India debutants Harsh Dubey and Yash Thakur, while Saransh Jain, who earned a place in India’s Test squad for the upcoming Sri Lanka tour, strengthens the spin department.

Star-Studded Squad for Defending Champions

Central Zone have assembled a balanced squad packed with domestic performers and international experience.

Patidar will lead a batting unit that includes Rinku Singh, Yash Rathod, Aman Mokhade, and Ayush Pandey, while wicketkeeping duties will primarily be handled by Aryan Juyal.

The bowling attack features an exciting blend of pace and spin, with Yash Thakur, Nachiket Bhute, and Arshad Khan leading the seam department.

Saransh Jain and Harsh Dubey Head Spin Attack

The spin unit will be led by Saransh Jain, alongside left-arm all-rounder Harsh Dubey and Uttar Pradesh leg-spinner Zeeshan Ansari.

Ansari recently returned to red-ball cricket after five years during India A’s tour of Sri Lanka, while Jain’s consistent domestic performances earned him a maiden call-up to India’s Test squad for the Sri Lanka series.

Aman Mokhade Rewarded for Outstanding Season

Vidarbha opener Aman Mokhade has been rewarded for a sensational 2025-26 Ranji Trophy campaign.

The right-hander amassed 760 runs in 11 innings at an outstanding average of 76, performances that also earned him an India A debut in Sri Lanka.

Another promising opener, Ayush Pandey of Chhattisgarh, has also retained his place after impressing during the India A tour.

Direct Entry Into Semi-Finals

As defending champions, Central Zone have received a bye into the semi-finals.

They will face the winner of the East Zone vs North East Zone clash on August 30, while the tournament begins on August 23 at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru.

The Duleep Trophy 2026 final is scheduled to begin on September 6.

Central Zone Squad for Duleep Trophy 2026

• Rajat Patidar (Captain)
• Rinku Singh (Vice-captain)
• Aryan Juyal (WK)
• Kunal Singh Rathod (WK)
• Saransh Jain
• Harsh Dubey
• Yash Thakur
• Aman Mokhade
• Ayush Pandey
• Yash Rathod
• Kunal Chandela
• Zeeshan Ansari
• Aryan Pandey
• Arshad Khan
• Nachiket Bhute

• Subhadeep Ghosh Appointed India Fielding Coach Ahead of Sri Lanka Test Series
• Rajat Patidar to Lead Central Zone in Duleep Trophy 2026; Rinku Singh Named Vice-Captain
• KKR Captaincy Race Begins After Ajinkya Rahane Retirement; Rinku Singh Emerges as Front-Runner
• ICC Men’s ODI World Cup 2027 Venues Announced: South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia Ready to Host Cricket’s Biggest Event
• Bangladesh Appoint Litton Das as ODI Captain; Mehidy Hasan Miraz Relieved of Leadership Role

With Ajinkya Rahane announcing his retirement from all formats of cricket, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have begun their search for a new captain ahead of the IPL 2027 season.

Unless the franchise acquires an experienced leader through the auction or a trade, Rinku Singh has emerged as the strongest candidate to take over the captaincy after serving as Rahane’s deputy over the past two seasons.

Rinku Singh Favoured for Leadership Role

KKR appointed Rinku Singh as vice-captain before the start of IPL 2026, signalling the franchise’s long-term leadership plans.

At the time, head coach Abhishek Nayar explained that Rinku had grown into a leader both on and off the field.

Nayar praised Rinku’s influence within the dressing room, saying the left-hander had earned the respect of teammates through his performances and calm presence. The additional responsibility was seen as the next step in his leadership journey while working alongside Ajinkya Rahane.

Strong Captaincy Record at Domestic Level

Although Rinku lacks IPL captaincy experience, his domestic leadership record is encouraging.

He captained Meerut Mavericks to the UPT20 League title in 2024 before guiding them to the runners-up finish in 2025. Across the two seasons, Rinku led the side to 13 wins in 18 matches.

He also took over as captain of Uttar Pradesh in List A cricket ahead of the 2024-25 Vijay Hazare Trophy, replacing veteran pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar.

Those experiences have strengthened his credentials to lead one of the IPL’s biggest franchises.

Sunil Narine Remains a Serious Option

Veteran all-rounder Sunil Narine is another name under consideration.

The 38-year-old has been associated with KKR since 2012 and remains one of the franchise’s most influential players. He is the highest wicket-taking overseas bowler in IPL history and has represented multiple Knight Riders franchises around the world, including:

• Trinbago Knight Riders
• Abu Dhabi Knight Riders
• Los Angeles Knight Riders

While Narine has never captained KKR, his experience and leadership within the group make him a credible short-term option.

Rovman Powell Also in the Mix

West Indies batter Rovman Powell could also be considered.

Powell captained the West Indies in 37 T20 Internationals between 2022 and 2024 and brings valuable leadership experience. However, he has played only 13 IPL matches for KKR across the last two seasons, making him an outside contender compared to Rinku and Narine.

Auction Could Influence KKR’s Decision

KKR are also expected to evaluate leadership options during the IPL trade window and auction later this year.

The trade window will remain open until one week before the auction and reopen once the auction concludes. The BCCI is yet to announce the official retention and auction dates for IPL 2027.

With only one season remaining in the current IPL cycle (2025-27), the franchise could appoint a temporary captain before reviewing its long-term leadership strategy ahead of the next cycle.

At present, however, Rinku Singh appears to be the leading favourite to usher in KKR’s next era.

• Subhadeep Ghosh Appointed India Fielding Coach Ahead of Sri Lanka Test Series
• Rajat Patidar to Lead Central Zone in Duleep Trophy 2026; Rinku Singh Named Vice-Captain
• KKR Captaincy Race Begins After Ajinkya Rahane Retirement; Rinku Singh Emerges as Front-Runner
• ICC Men’s ODI World Cup 2027 Venues Announced: South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia Ready to Host Cricket’s Biggest Event
• Bangladesh Appoint Litton Das as ODI Captain; Mehidy Hasan Miraz Relieved of Leadership Role

The countdown to the ICC Men’s ODI World Cup 2027 officially began as the tournament venues were unveiled during a grand launch event in Johannesburg. Cricket’s biggest 50-over tournament will be jointly hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia from October 4 to November 11, 2027.

Fourteen teams will compete for the prestigious trophy across 12 venues, with matches spread across South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.

South Africa Set to Host Majority of Matches

South Africa will stage the bulk of the tournament, with matches scheduled at eight venues across the country. Zimbabwe will host games in Harare, Bulawayo, and the under-construction Victoria Falls Stadium, while Namibia’s newly built Namibia Cricket Ground in Windhoek will also feature as a World Cup venue.

The official launch was held at Johannesburg’s Inanda Club and attended by several former and current South African stars, including Makhaya Ntini, Hashim Amla, Temba Bavuma, and Kagiso Rabada, alongside officials from the three host nations.

Memories of the 2003 World Cup Still Fresh

The announcement inevitably brought back memories of the 2003 ODI World Cup, the last time South Africa hosted the tournament.

That edition remains one of the most unforgettable in cricket history for South African fans. The hosts began their campaign with a heartbreaking three-run defeat against the West Indies before suffering the infamous Duckworth-Lewis tie against Sri Lanka in Durban, which resulted in their shocking first-round elimination.

Former fast bowler Makhaya Ntini, who carried South Africa’s flag during the opening ceremony in 2003, described the honour as one of the greatest moments of his career.

Meanwhile, Hashim Amla recalled how the tournament inspired a generation of young South Africans to dream of representing the national team.

Legends Recall Iconic Moments

Current Test captain Temba Bavuma admitted he was too young to fully appreciate the cricket but fondly remembered the tournament’s zebra mascot, Dazzler, whose distinctive striped branding became one of the event’s lasting symbols.

Fast bowler Kagiso Rabada, who was only eight years old during the tournament, remembered iconic performances such as:

• Brian Lara’s century against South Africa
• Ricky Ponting’s match-winning hundred in the final
• Shoaib Akhtar’s blistering pace
• Brett Lee’s outstanding bowling throughout the tournament

One of the most talked-about moments from 2003 remains Shoaib Akhtar’s 161.3 km/h delivery to England’s Nick Knight at Newlands, one of the fastest balls ever recorded in international cricket.

Australia Dominated the 2003 Final

Although South Africa’s dramatic exit overshadowed much of the tournament for local supporters, the final saw Australia overpower India at the Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg.

Captain Ricky Ponting produced one of the greatest World Cup innings, smashing an unbeaten 140 to guide Australia to another world title after Sachin Tendulkar fell early in India’s chase.

Africa Ready to Welcome the Cricket World Again

More than two decades later, cricket returns to southern Africa with a modern tournament expected to showcase the region’s passion for the game and world-class venues.

The launch featured African music, dance and cultural performances, highlighting the continent’s rich heritage as excitement begins to build for the 2027 World Cup.

With three host nations joining forces once again, fans can expect one of the biggest global sporting events to return to African soil in spectacular fashion.

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• KKR Captaincy Race Begins After Ajinkya Rahane Retirement; Rinku Singh Emerges as Front-Runner
• ICC Men’s ODI World Cup 2027 Venues Announced: South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia Ready to Host Cricket’s Biggest Event
• Bangladesh Appoint Litton Das as ODI Captain; Mehidy Hasan Miraz Relieved of Leadership Role

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has appointed Litton Das as the new ODI captain, replacing Mehidy Hasan Miraz in a move aimed at allowing the star all-rounder to focus entirely on his performances.

BCB president Tamim Iqbal confirmed the decision after a board meeting at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium, stating that Bangladesh will now move forward with two captains across the three formats instead of having separate leaders for each format.

Under the new structure, Litton Das will lead Bangladesh in white-ball cricket, while Najmul Hossain Shanto will continue as captain of the Test side.

BCB Opts for Two-Captain Model

Explaining the decision, Tamim said the board believes having one captain for white-ball cricket and another for red-ball cricket will provide greater stability and better planning.

Along with Litton’s appointment, Towhid Hridoy has been named the white-ball vice-captain, while Mehidy Hasan Miraz will continue as the vice-captain in Test cricket.

Tamim also revealed that discussions were held with all players before finalising the leadership changes.

According to him, the transition was made with everyone’s knowledge and support.

Mehidy Hasan Miraz to Focus on His Cricket

Despite replacing Mehidy as ODI captain, Tamim made it clear that the all-rounder continues to be one of Bangladesh’s most valuable players.

He praised Mehidy’s leadership, pointing out that Bangladesh won four of the last five ODI series under his captaincy.

However, the board believes Mehidy can contribute even more if he concentrates solely on his batting and bowling.

Tamim admitted that while Mehidy’s batting has remained strong, the team wants to see him regain his best form with the ball.

The BCB also feels that the additional pressure of captaincy and outside criticism may have affected his overall performances.

Litton Das Returns to Leadership

Litton is no stranger to leading Bangladesh in ODIs.

The wicketkeeper-batter previously captained the side in seven One-Day Internationals, including Bangladesh’s memorable 2-1 series victory over India in 2022 when Tamim Iqbal was unavailable through injury.

He also led the team in matches against Afghanistan and New Zealand during 2023.

The BCB believes Litton’s experience makes him well-suited to lead Bangladesh’s white-ball teams going forward.

Performance Reviews Every Six Months

Tamim also announced a change in the board’s approach towards evaluating players and coaching staff.

Instead of reacting after every series, Bangladesh will now conduct performance reviews every six months.

The board has also asked the coaching staff and players to prepare a structured six-month roadmap following the recent Zimbabwe tour.

According to Tamim, the objective is to improve communication between the board and players while creating a more stable environment for long-term planning.

Mehidy’s ODI Captaincy Record

Mehidy Hasan Miraz captained Bangladesh in 20 ODI matches, winning 10.

His tenure began with a difficult run as Bangladesh lost five of their first six matches and two consecutive ODI series.

However, the team bounced back strongly, winning four successive home series against West Indies, Pakistan, New Zealand and Australia before suffering an away series defeat to Zimbabwe.

Although his captaincy has ended, Mehidy remains a key part of Bangladesh’s plans as one of the team’s leading all-rounders.

• Subhadeep Ghosh Appointed India Fielding Coach Ahead of Sri Lanka Test Series
• Rajat Patidar to Lead Central Zone in Duleep Trophy 2026; Rinku Singh Named Vice-Captain
• KKR Captaincy Race Begins After Ajinkya Rahane Retirement; Rinku Singh Emerges as Front-Runner
• ICC Men’s ODI World Cup 2027 Venues Announced: South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia Ready to Host Cricket’s Biggest Event
• Bangladesh Appoint Litton Das as ODI Captain; Mehidy Hasan Miraz Relieved of Leadership Role

Tilak Varma entered India’s Zimbabwe tour with plenty to prove. Questions had been raised over his recent form, his effectiveness against spin and his ability to establish himself in a new middle-order role.

On Saturday, in the second T20I against Zimbabwe in Harare, the 23-year-old produced exactly the kind of innings he needed.

With India three wickets down and half their innings already gone, Tilak attacked Zimbabwe’s bowlers with confidence and completed his half-century from only 23 balls.

More importantly, his innings demonstrated signs of improvement in areas where he had recently struggled.

Tilak Varma’s Recent T20I Struggles

Tilak had found runs difficult to come by consistently heading into the Zimbabwe series.

Among Indian batters who had faced at least 100 deliveries this year before the series, Tilak had an average of 21.6 and a strike rate of 108.54, both concerning numbers for a batter expected to play an important role in India’s T20I middle order.

His technique against spin had also attracted attention.

Tilak’s pronounced side-on batting stance was viewed by some observers as limiting his ability to access different areas of the field, particularly once the field spread during the middle overs.

Tilak, however, had been working on those weaknesses.

The break between India’s England series and the Zimbabwe tour gave him valuable time to make technical adjustments.

Tilak Takes On Sikandar Raza

Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza attempted to challenge Tilak with spin soon after he arrived at the crease.

Tilak immediately responded.

When Raza offered a delivery down the leg side, Tilak swept it away for four. When the spinner adjusted his length, Tilak found another scoring option by cutting behind point.

It wasn’t simply aggressive hitting.

Tilak’s ability to identify gaps and manipulate the field was one of the most impressive elements of his innings.

Smart Batting Against Zimbabwe’s Plans

Brad Evans attempted to keep the ball wide with protection on the off side, but Tilak found an answer.

He moved across his stumps and targeted the cow-corner region, producing a clean pick-up shot that sailed over the boundary.

It highlighted the range Tilak has been attempting to add to his game.

Instead of allowing the bowling plans to dictate where he could score, Tilak repeatedly created his own scoring opportunities.

New No. 5 Role Presents a Different Challenge

Some of Tilak’s finest performances for India have come at No. 3.

It was from that position that he struck consecutive T20I centuries against South Africa in late 2024 and strengthened his position in India’s batting order.

India’s changing combination, however, means Tilak may now have to establish himself at No. 5.

It is a considerably different challenge.

Opportunities to build an innings can be limited, while the requirement to attack immediately increases the risk of failure.

Tilak’s position as India’s T20I vice-captain has only increased the expectations surrounding his performances.

23-Ball Fifty Makes a Statement

Against Zimbabwe, Tilak responded to that pressure with one of his most fluent recent innings.

He completed his fifty from just 23 deliveries.

But the speed of the innings wasn’t its only significant feature.

His ability to score square of the wicket on both sides, manipulate Zimbabwe’s spinners and maintain India’s momentum through the middle overs showed encouraging development.

It was an innings that suggested Tilak was beginning to find solutions to some of the problems that had troubled him.

Extra Work Behind Tilak’s Comeback

Tilak’s attempts to regain rhythm have extended beyond India’s international assignments.

After completing India A duties in Sri Lanka last month, he travelled to Hyderabad and played in a Telangana T20 League match the following afternoon.

The additional cricket provided him with more valuable batting time during a difficult period.

That willingness to keep playing and refining his game is now beginning to produce results.

Could Tilak Become India’s Long-Term Finisher?

At present, T20 cricket appears to offer Tilak his clearest route into India’s senior side.

With the ODI World Cup approaching next year, India’s immediate priorities may lie elsewhere, giving Tilak time to develop his game for the longer-term T20I cycle.

The 2028 T20 World Cup in Australia and New Zealand could eventually become a major target.

Tilak’s strong back-foot game could prove particularly useful in those conditions, while his ability to contribute with offspin would further strengthen his case.

For now, however, his immediate challenge is simpler: turn Saturday’s impressive fifty into consistent performances.

• Subhadeep Ghosh Appointed India Fielding Coach Ahead of Sri Lanka Test Series
• Rajat Patidar to Lead Central Zone in Duleep Trophy 2026; Rinku Singh Named Vice-Captain
• KKR Captaincy Race Begins After Ajinkya Rahane Retirement; Rinku Singh Emerges as Front-Runner
• ICC Men’s ODI World Cup 2027 Venues Announced: South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia Ready to Host Cricket’s Biggest Event
• Bangladesh Appoint Litton Das as ODI Captain; Mehidy Hasan Miraz Relieved of Leadership Role

Sri Lanka Women produced a superb batting display to chase down 274 against Pakistan, with centuries from Vishmi Gunaratne and Harshitha Samarawickrama powering the hosts to victory and levelling the three-match ODI series at 1-1.

The pair put together a record-breaking 205-run partnership for the second wicket, helping Sri Lanka complete their third-highest successful chase in women’s ODI cricket with 19 balls remaining.

For Pakistan, Sidra Amin’s unbeaten century went in vain as their bowlers managed only two wickets while defending 273.

Chamari Athapaththu Falls Early

Sri Lanka’s chase suffered an early setback when captain Chamari Athapaththu was dismissed for just 1.

Pakistan skipper Fatima Sana provided the breakthrough at the start of the fifth over, inducing an outside edge that was taken behind the stumps.

At that stage, Pakistan had an opportunity to put Sri Lanka under pressure.

Instead, Gunaratne and Samarawickrama took complete control.

Gunaratne and Samarawickrama Add Record 205 Runs

The two batters initially focused on keeping the scoreboard moving without taking unnecessary risks.

Gunaratne was the more aggressive of the pair, reaching her half-century from 55 deliveries, while Samarawickrama needed 74 balls for her fifty.

As the required rate climbed beyond six runs per over after the halfway stage, both batters began finding the boundary more regularly.

Their acceleration quickly brought the asking rate back under control.

The partnership eventually reached 205 runs, making it Sri Lanka Women’s first 200-plus partnership for any wicket in ODI cricket.

Vishmi Gunaratne Smashes 123

Gunaratne converted her strong start into a memorable century, reaching three figures from 107 balls.

She eventually departed for 123, stumped with Sri Lanka still requiring another 52 runs from 64 deliveries.

It was Gunaratne’s second ODI century.

Her dismissal gave Pakistan a small opening, but the required rate was already manageable.

Harshitha Samarawickrama Completes Century

Kavisha Dilhari joined Samarawickrama and immediately kept the chase moving by scoring at better than a run a ball.

With only eight runs required for victory, Samarawickrama struck a boundary to complete her century from 119 deliveries.

Dilhari then struck the winning boundary as Sri Lanka completed the chase with 19 balls to spare.

Gunaratne and Samarawickrama now have two ODI hundreds each and are the only Sri Lankan women apart from Athapaththu to have scored multiple centuries in the format.

Sidra Amin’s Unbeaten Century Goes in Vain

Earlier, Sri Lanka asked Pakistan to bat first.

Pakistan’s openers managed starts but couldn’t convert them into substantial scores before Sidra Amin took responsibility for anchoring the innings.

Ayesha Zafar provided valuable acceleration, scoring 49 from just 45 deliveries before Dilhari bowled her in the 27th over.

Amin then combined with Muneeba Ali in an 88-run partnership from 105 deliveries, taking Pakistan beyond 220.

Pakistan Reach 273 Despite Late Acceleration

Fatima Sana provided some much-needed late impetus with 25 from 18 balls.

Amin remained unbeaten and completed her seventh ODI century in the final over, helping Pakistan finish with a competitive 273.

On another day, that total may have been enough.

Sri Lanka’s top order, however, produced one of its finest ODI chases.

Sri Lanka Level Series 1-1

The victory was particularly significant because Sri Lanka recovered from the early dismissal of Athapaththu without allowing the chase to lose momentum.

Gunaratne and Samarawickrama’s record partnership demonstrated the increasing depth in Sri Lanka’s batting order, while Dilhari calmly completed the job.

With the series now level at 1-1, the third and final ODI will decide the winner.

Key Match Highlights

The three-match ODI series is now level at 1-1

Sri Lanka successfully chased 274 with 19 balls remaining

Vishmi Gunaratne scored 123

Harshitha Samarawickrama struck an unbeaten century

Gunaratne and Samarawickrama shared a record 205-run partnership

It was Sri Lanka Women’s first 200-plus ODI partnership for any wicket

Sidra Amin’s unbeaten century for Pakistan went in vain

India sealed the T20I series against Zimbabwe with a commanding 90-run victory in the second T20I at Harare Sports Club, taking an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match contest.

Ishan Kishan struck 81 and Tilak Varma added 60, with their rapid partnership helping India post an imposing 219 for 5. Zimbabwe’s chase never fully recovered from a cluster of wickets after the powerplay, and the hosts were eventually bowled out for 129 in 17.5 overs.

Zimbabwe Strike Early After Choosing to Bowl

Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza opted to field first and his bowlers gave the hosts an encouraging start.

Abhishek Sharma was dismissed cheaply, but Vaibhav Sooryavanshi immediately counterattacked. The young left-hander went after Richard Ngarava, collecting three fours and a six from consecutive deliveries in the third over.

Ngarava responded well, removing Sooryavanshi when the batter mistimed a hard-length delivery towards mid-on.

India had lost two early wickets, but their experienced middle order quickly restored control.

Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Iyer Rebuild India’s Innings

Kishan joined captain Shreyas Iyer and the pair added 66 runs for the third wicket.

Scoring wasn’t always straightforward, with the surface preventing the ball from coming onto the bat cleanly. Kishan also survived an early chance, while Iyer initially needed time to settle.

The India captain eventually found his rhythm and attacked Brian Bennett in the tenth over, striking three boundaries.

His acceleration was cut short when he was dismissed from the final delivery of the over, leaving India needing another partnership to maintain their momentum.

Kishan and Tilak Take Control

Tilak Varma ensured Iyer’s dismissal did not give Zimbabwe an opening.

Kishan and Tilak added 94 runs from just 43 deliveries, dramatically increasing India’s scoring rate during the second half of the innings.

Tilak stepped up his attack in the 14th over, striking three boundaries off Blessing Muzarabani.

Kishan continued applying pressure from the other end and launched Raza for six as Zimbabwe struggled to contain the left-handed pair.

Kishan eventually fell for 81 in the 18th over, caught at deep point while attempting to reach a wide delivery.

Tilak Varma Helps India Reach 219

Tilak continued the attack after Kishan’s departure and completed a blazing half-century of his own.

Late contributions from Rinku Singh and Shivam Dube further boosted India’s total, with the visitors finishing on 219 for 5 from 20 overs.

Tilak ended with 60 as India set Zimbabwe a daunting target of 220.

Brian Bennett Gives Zimbabwe Fast Start

Zimbabwe needed an aggressive powerplay and Brian Bennett provided exactly that.

Bennett refused to allow India’s quicks to settle, attacking Mayank Yadav and debutant Yash Thakur with inventive strokeplay.

His innings included several scoops, but the same aggressive approach eventually brought his downfall.

While attempting a reverse scoop, Bennett was cramped for space and lobbed a catch to the wicketkeeper, departing for 32.

Prince Yadav Strikes Before Injury

Bennett’s dismissal opened the door for India.

Zimbabwe quickly slipped to 49 for 4, with Prince Yadav and Ravi Bishnoi striking soon after the powerplay.

Prince was particularly impressive, taking two wickets for just 10 runs, but his spell ended prematurely.

After dismissing Sikandar Raza, the pacer appeared to suffer a problem with his left hamstring and was forced to leave the field.

Abhishek Sharma’s Three-Wicket Burst Ends Zimbabwe’s Chase

Ryan Burl attempted to keep Zimbabwe in the contest with an attacking approach, while Tadiwanashe Marumani also offered some resistance.

India, however, continued finding wickets at regular intervals.

Abhishek Sharma proved especially effective with the ball. After having a disappointing outing with the bat, he responded by taking 3 for 17.

His triple strike accelerated Zimbabwe’s collapse and the hosts were dismissed for 129 in 17.5 overs.

The result completed a comprehensive 90-run victory and ensured India wrapped up the series before the final match.

India Take Unassailable 2-0 Lead

The victory was another strong response from an Indian side that arrived in Zimbabwe following difficult results against Ireland and England.

India’s batting showed considerably more firepower in the second game, while the bowling unit once again found regular breakthroughs.

With the series now secured at 2-0, India could use the final T20I to test some of their other squad members, although Prince Yadav’s injury is also likely to force at least one change.

Zimbabwe, meanwhile, will be looking to avoid a clean sweep and finish the series with a victory.

Brief Scores

India 219/5 in 20 overs
Ishan Kishan 81, Tilak Varma 60; Newman Nyamhuri 1-25

Zimbabwe 129 in 17.5 overs
Brian Bennett 32; Abhishek Sharma 3-17, Prince Yadav 2-10

India won by 90 runs and lead the three-match series 2-0.

• Subhadeep Ghosh Appointed India Fielding Coach Ahead of Sri Lanka Test Series
• Rajat Patidar to Lead Central Zone in Duleep Trophy 2026; Rinku Singh Named Vice-Captain
• KKR Captaincy Race Begins After Ajinkya Rahane Retirement; Rinku Singh Emerges as Front-Runner
• ICC Men’s ODI World Cup 2027 Venues Announced: South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia Ready to Host Cricket’s Biggest Event
• Bangladesh Appoint Litton Das as ODI Captain; Mehidy Hasan Miraz Relieved of Leadership Role

India produced a dominant all-round performance in Harare to beat Zimbabwe by 90 runs in the second T20I, sealing the three-match series with a game to spare.

After being asked to bat first, India piled up a massive 220, with Ishan Kishan and Tilak Varma leading the charge. Zimbabwe never seriously threatened the target and were bowled out for around 130 as India’s bowling attack maintained relentless pressure.

The victory gives Shreyas Iyer his first T20I series win as India captain, while the visitors now have an opportunity to test their bench strength in the final match.

Ishan Kishan and Tilak Varma Power India to 220

India initially felt a score in the region of 180 to 200 could prove competitive because of the variable bounce on offer.

Instead, their middle order pushed the total all the way to 220.

After India suffered early setbacks, Ishan Kishan took control at No. 3 and formed a crucial partnership with Tilak Varma.

Rather than allowing the wickets to slow him down, Kishan backed his scoring options and looked to attack whenever the opportunity arrived.

The left-hander later explained that his focus was simply on watching the ball and playing to his strengths instead of worrying about the wickets that had already fallen.

Tilak provided excellent support at the other end as the pair transformed India’s innings.

Captain Shreyas Iyer was particularly impressed with their strokeplay, describing some of their shots as “rakanaka” – beautiful.

Zimbabwe Face Huge 221-Run Target

Chasing 221 was always going to require something exceptional from Zimbabwe.

Their openers attempted to provide the aggressive start required, but India’s bowlers kept finding ways to break partnerships.

Debutant Yash Thakur provided the first breakthrough and impressed with his variations.

The pacer revealed after the match that he and Iyer had identified the slower delivery as a potentially effective option on the surface.

It paid off as Yash celebrated his maiden T20I wicket.

Prince Yadav Impresses Before Injury

One of the major concerns for India came through an injury to Prince Yadav.

Prince had been highly effective, claiming two wickets from just eight deliveries, before suffering what appeared to be a hamstring problem while running in to bowl.

He was forced to leave the field and is now expected to miss the final T20I.

His injury means India will have to make at least one change for the series finale.

Abhishek Sharma Picks Up Three Wickets

With Prince unable to complete his spell, India were forced to turn to their additional bowling options.

They responded brilliantly.

The part-time bowlers combined for five wickets, with Abhishek Sharma finishing with three as Zimbabwe’s chase quickly unravelled.

India eventually dismissed the hosts for around 130 to complete a comprehensive 90-run victory.

Mayank Yadav Continues to Trouble Zimbabwe With Pace

Mayank Yadav wasn’t quite as consistent as he had been in the opening T20I, but his extra pace remained a major weapon.

An interesting pattern has emerged from his first two matches of the series.

When Mayank crossed 140kph, he conceded only nine runs from 21 deliveries while taking two wickets. His other 21 deliveries cost 34 runs.

He bowled 17 deliveries above 140kph in the opening match but managed only four such balls during his three-over spell in the second T20I.

Shreyas Iyer Celebrates First Series Win

Iyer was delighted with the manner in which India secured the series.

The captain praised both the batting and bowling units, highlighting the contributions throughout the side.

India had entered the Zimbabwe tour following difficult T20I series against Ireland and England, but back-to-back victories in Harare have given the young squad a much-needed turnaround.

Iyer also stressed that his players should avoid dwelling on previous performances and instead focus on maximising every opportunity.

Sikandar Raza Takes Responsibility for Zimbabwe’s Batting Problems

Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza admitted his side had been outplayed but also identified fielding as an area where the hosts need to improve.

Raza felt Zimbabwe’s bowlers had performed well in patches, only for India’s batters to take advantage whenever the pressure dropped.

He was also critical of his own performances.

The Zimbabwe skipper acknowledged that his team needs runs from him and accepted responsibility for failing to make a significant contribution in the first two matches.

Zimbabwe Suffer Another Heavy T20I Defeat

The 90-run margin ranks among Zimbabwe’s biggest defeats in T20 internationals.

Their largest T20I defeats include:

• 107 runs vs West Indies, 2026
• 100 runs vs Australia, 2018
• 100 runs vs India, 2024
• 90 runs vs India, 2026
• 85 runs vs Pakistan, 2011

Zimbabwe’s dot-ball numbers have also been costly.

They faced 64 dot balls in the first T20I and another 53 in the second, while India faced only 62 dots across the two matches combined.

India Could Make Changes for Final T20I

With the series already secured, India could use the third T20I to provide opportunities to players on the bench.

Iyer confirmed that the team had not finalised its combination but suggested there could be a couple of changes.

At least one alteration appears inevitable because of Prince Yadav’s injury.

India will now target a 3-0 series sweep, while Zimbabwe will be looking to finish the series with a stronger performance and avoid another heavy defeat.

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