IND Vs WI – Test Series
India stamped their authority in the 1st Test against West Indies with a commanding victory by an innings and 140 runs at Queen’s Park Oval, Port of Spain. Yashasvi Jaiswal’s brilliant double century set the tone for the visitors, while captain Rohit Sharma’s composed hundred provided stability at the top. The middle order chipped in with vital cameos, propelling India to a mammoth first-innings total. In reply, West Indies faltered under relentless pressure from India’s bowlers, collapsing twice in quick succession.
Ravichandran Ashwin was the star with the ball, claiming a 12-wicket match haul that dismantled the Caribbean batting lineup. Mohammed Siraj’s pace and consistency complemented the spin attack perfectly, leaving West Indies struggling for answers. Despite brief resistance from Kraigg Brathwaite and Alick Athanaze, the hosts failed to convert starts into big scores. India’s dominant win not only gave them a 1–0 series lead but also reinforced their World Test Championship campaign with a strong Net Run Rate boost. All eyes now turn to the 2nd Test, where West Indies will seek redemption and India will aim for a clean sweep.
Australia Clinch Trans-Tasman T20 Series 2–0
Australia showcased their dominance in the Trans-Tasman T20 series, sealing a 2–0 victory over New Zealand with clinical precision. After a composed chase in the first match at Mount Maunganui, the Aussies carried their momentum to Eden Park, where their top order fired once again under Mitchell Marsh’s steady leadership. Travis Head and Tim David provided explosive cameos, while Adam Zampa and Josh Hazlewood kept New Zealand’s batters under constant pressure. Despite valiant efforts from Finn Allen and Daryl Mitchell, the Kiwis struggled to build partnerships against Australia’s disciplined bowling attack. The visitors’ superior execution in key moments underlined their growing confidence ahead of the international season.
For New Zealand, the series highlighted both promise and problems. While their top order showed flashes of brilliance, inconsistency and a lack of depth in the middle overs proved costly. Kyle Jamieson and Matt Henry bowled with heart, but the hosts’ inability to contain Australia’s aggressive finishers hurt their chances in both games. Meanwhile, Australia’s all-round balance—anchored by Marsh’s leadership and Zampa’s control—stood out as the defining factor of the series. With the 2–0 triumph, Australia reaffirmed their status as a T20 powerhouse, extending their unbeaten streak against New Zealand and sending a strong message ahead of the upcoming global tournaments.
Bangladesh Edge Afghanistan in a Spirited T20 Contest
The Bangladesh vs Afghanistan T20 series lived up to expectations, offering fans an exciting blend of power-hitting, spin mastery, and late-match drama. Bangladesh started strong in Dhaka, with Litton Das and Towhid Hridoy anchoring their innings before Shakib Al Hasan’s all-round brilliance turned the game in their favor. The Tigers’ spinners—led by Mahedi Hasan and Rishad Hossain—proved too clever for the Afghan middle order, securing Bangladesh an early series lead. Afghanistan, however, showed resilience through Rahmanullah Gurbaz’s explosive starts and Rashid Khan’s sharp bowling spells, keeping the contests tight till the final overs.
In the decisive game, Bangladesh held their nerve to clinch the series 2–1, thanks to disciplined bowling and smart field placements under Najmul Hossain Shanto’s captaincy. Taskin Ahmed and Mustafizur Rahman delivered crucial breakthroughs at the death, while Mehidy Hasan’s economical spell stifled Afghanistan’s chase. Despite Najibullah Zadran’s late flourish, the visitors fell short as Bangladesh completed a hard-fought home triumph. The series underscored Bangladesh’s growing T20 maturity and Afghanistan’s fighting spirit—setting the stage for another thrilling chapter in their fast-developing cricket rivalry.
