SA vs AUS Test: Australia Stumble Under Pace Pressure As South Africa Dominate Day 1

India vs West Indies: A Rare T20I Record Repeated After Years

Shivam Sharma — Sat, 10 Oct 2026 12:28:07 +0530

Ranchi witnessed a remarkable night of T20 International cricket on Friday, October 9, as the West Indies pulled off a stunning run chase to defeat India. The venue, which had never previously seen a team score 200 runs in a T20I, saw the visitors successfully chase down a mammoth target of 250 runs. While Sanju Samson struck a half-century for India, Shai Hope's unbeaten 102 proved instrumental in guiding the West Indies to victory.

The second T20I between the two sides also produced a rare milestone. India and the West Indies collectively scored 501 runs, making it only the second match in T20 International history in which the combined total of both teams crossed the 500-run mark.

India vs West Indies: 501 Runs Scored In Ranchi

Batting first, India posted an imposing 249-run total, setting a new benchmark for the highest team score at the Ranchi venue. However, the West Indies responded with an extraordinary batting display, reaching 252 runs to complete the chase and level the series.

The combined score of 501 runs placed the contest among the highest-scoring matches in T20I history. The only match with a higher aggregate remains the 2023 encounter between South Africa and the West Indies, in which the two teams scored 517 runs.

Here are the three highest combined totals from matches listed:

517 runs: South Africa vs West Indies, 2023

501 runs: India vs West Indies, 2026

499 runs: India vs England, 2026

Windies Record 2nd-Highest Successful T20I Chase

The West Indies also secured a place in the record books with their successful pursuit of India's 249-run total. Before this match, only one team had successfully chased a target of 250 or more in men's T20 Internationals.

South Africa hold that record after chasing down 259 against West Indies in 2023. The Caribbean side's successful chase of 250 against India now ranks second on the all-time list.

Despite India's formidable total, Shai Hope's unbeaten century helped the visitors complete a memorable victory in Ranchi. The match will be remembered not only for the individual performances but also for the extraordinary scoring feats achieved by both teams.

Shai Hope Takes A Swipe At Shubman Gill After India Defeat, Post Goes Viral

Shivam Sharma — Sat, 10 Oct 2026 11:26:45 +0530

The second T20I between India and the West Indies turned into a high-scoring thriller, with both teams producing a spectacular batting display. India piled up 249 runs in their 20 overs, setting the visitors a daunting target of 250. However, West Indies pulled off a stunning chase, winning by six wickets to level the series at 1-1.

Shai Hope led the charge with an unbeaten century, guiding his team to victory in just 18.3 overs. Soon after the match, the West Indies batter shared an Instagram post that caught fans' attention because of its striking resemblance to a caption previously used by India's ODI captain, Shubman Gill.

'250? Cool': Shai Hope's Post Draws Attention

Hope smashed an unbeaten 102 off just 45 deliveries as the West Indies completed the chase. After the memorable victory, he posted pictures on Instagram with the caption, "250? Cool."

The remark appeared to reflect his confidence after chasing down such a massive target. However, fans also noticed a possible connection to Gill's earlier social media post following India's victory in the second ODI against the West Indies.

During that match, India successfully chased a target of 407 runs after the visitors posted 406. Gill, who scored a double century in the game, shared pictures on Instagram with the caption, "406? Cool."

Hope's similar wording has prompted speculation that his post was a response to Gill's earlier remark. However, the West Indies captain has not explicitly confirmed that the caption was intended as a dig at the Indian batter.

Interestingly, Gill was not part of India's T20I squad, yet his earlier post became a talking point following the West Indies' remarkable victory.

How West Indies Pulled Off Record Chase

India's batters put the West Indies bowlers under pressure from the outset, finishing on 249/5 in 20 overs. The visitors, however, suffered an early setback, losing two wickets in the opening over.

Hope steadied the innings alongside Rovman Powell before the latter's dismissal. Sherfane Rutherford then joined Hope and changed the course of the match with a blistering contribution.

Rutherford smashed 84 off just 37 balls, while his partnership with Hope added 120 runs and put the West Indies firmly in control. After Rutherford departed, Hope continued his assault alongside Romario Shepherd.

Shai Hope finished unbeaten on 102 from 45 balls, hitting nine sixes and six fours. His extraordinary innings helped the West Indies reach 250 in 18.3 overs, sealing a six-wicket victory and levelling the series 1-1.

RCB Player Begins New Innings In Life, First Wedding Photo With Wife Out

Shivam Sharma — Sat, 10 Oct 2026 10:10:40 +0530

England all-rounder Liam Livingstone, who previously represented Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in Indian Premier League, has married his longtime girlfriend, Olivia. The cricketer shared several pictures from their wedding celebrations on Instagram through a collaborative post, drawing congratulatory messages from fans and fellow players.

RCB wicketkeeper-batter Jitesh Sharma was among those who congratulated the newlyweds in the comments section.

Livingstone revealed that the ceremony took place on October 3, 2026, in Deià, Mallorca, Spain. However, the celebrations did not go according to plan, as severe weather forced the couple to make last-minute changes to their arrangements.

'The People Are What Matter'

Reflecting on the occasion, Livingstone explained that an unexpected storm disrupted their wedding plans and forced them to move the ceremony to another location at short notice. Despite the challenges, he described the day as the best of his life.

Liam Livingstone has got married with Olivia. ♥️ - Many congratulations to both of them! https://t.co/Wvr7ookYOQ
— Tanuj (@ImTanujSingh) October 5, 2025

The England cricketer also shared a heartfelt message about what the experience taught him, saying that details such as flowers, decorations, the venue and the weather were far less important than the people celebrating with them.

Also Read | Big News For Rohit-Virat Fans! India vs Sri Lanka ODI Rescheduled: Know Why

He added that he had never felt so much love gathered in one room. The October 3 celebration was the second part of the couple's wedding festivities.

Liam Livingstone's IPL Journey With RCB

RCB signed Livingstone for the 2025 IPL season, but his campaign with the Bengaluru franchise was relatively modest. He scored 112 runs across eight innings in 10 matches, registering one half-century, and picked up two wickets.

Also Read | Chennai Super Kings Hit By Another Change Ahead Of IPL 2027, Coach Departs

In IPL 2026, Livingstone turned out for Sunrisers Hyderabad. His contribution with the bat was limited to 15 runs across two innings.

Big News For Rohit-Virat Fans! India vs Sri Lanka ODI Rescheduled: Know Why

Shivam Sharma — Sat, 10 Oct 2026 09:35:20 +0530

Cricket fans in New Delhi have received disappointing news ahead of India's upcoming international assignments. The Indian team is scheduled to host Sri Lanka for a white-ball series in December, featuring three ODIs and three T20Is. However, a change in the ODI schedule means fans in the capital may miss the opportunity to watch Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli play at the Arun Jaitley Stadium.

The first ODI, initially scheduled to take place in Delhi on December 13, has reportedly been moved to Ahmedabad. According to a report by Dainik Jagran, the venue change follows a request from the Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA), which plans to undertake renovation work at the stadium.

Why Was India-Sri Lanka ODI Shifted?

DDCA reportedly approached BCCI last month, seeking to move the match to another venue. The association plans to renovate the Arun Jaitley Stadium, with particular attention to improving the pitch and outfield.

The proposed upgrades are aimed at improving playing conditions, enhancing stadium facilities and offering spectators a better match-day experience. As a result, the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad will reportedly host the first ODI instead of Delhi.

The development is likely to disappoint fans in the national capital who were hoping to see Rohit and Virat in action on home turf.

Ahmedabad To Host Two India-Sri Lanka ODIs

Ahmedabad was already scheduled to host one match in the three-game ODI series. With the reported venue change, the city is now set to stage two of the three ODIs between India and Sri Lanka.

The first ODI is scheduled for December 13 in Ahmedabad, followed by the second match in Bengaluru. The teams will then return to Ahmedabad for the third ODI.

Delhi's Ranji Trophy Matches May Also Be Affected

The planned renovation work could also affect Delhi's domestic cricket schedule. Several matches in the 2026-27 Ranji Trophy season were reportedly scheduled to take place at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, including fixtures against Gujarat, Services and Maharashtra.

According to Sportstar, these matches could be shifted to alternative venues such as Palam or Jamia Millia. DDCA's arrangements for these fixtures and other scheduled matches will become clearer in due course.

Chennai Super Kings Hit By Another Change Ahead Of IPL 2027, Coach Departs

Shivam Sharma — Sat, 10 Oct 2026 08:59:13 +0530

Chennai Super Kings have hit the reset button ahead of IPL 2027. Just a few days ago, former Indian fast bowler Zaheer Khan was appointed as CSK's new head coach. Following this, reports emerged suggesting significant changes to the coaching staff, and the process has now begun. CSK has decided to part ways with batting coach Michael Hussey, bringing his tenure to an end.

Michael Hussey Parts Ways with CSK

Various reports regarding changes at CSK ahead of IPL 2027 have surfaced. According to a Cricbuzz report, Chennai Super Kings management has decided to part ways with Michael Hussey before the upcoming season. Hussey played for CSK for years before joining the team as a batting coach in 2018, a role he has held ever since.

Stephen Fleming's tenure with Chennai Super Kings concluded after IPL 2026, and Zaheer Khan was appointed as the new head coach in his place. Reports indicated that CSK had given Zaheer the freedom to assemble his own coaching staff, which is likely the reason for the end of Michael Hussey's tenure; Zaheer may bring in his own batting coach.

New Bowling Coach Also On Board

In addition to Zaheer Khan, Mohit Sharma has also joined CSK. Chennai Super Kings have replaced bowling coach Eric Simmons with former Indian fast bowler Mohit Sharma. According to reports, the future of CSK's fielding coach, James Foster, is also uncertain, and he too could be parting ways with the franchise.

Will Hussey Join England's Coaching Staff?

Michael Hussey and Stephen Fleming share a very good relationship. After parting ways with CSK, Stephen Fleming became the head coach of the England Test team. Subsequently, reports emerged that Fleming wanted Michael Hussey to become England's new batting coach. Hussey's departure from CSK, following Fleming's exit, suggests that he might join the England Test team's coaching staff.

It is worth noting that he previously worked with England as a consultant during the 2022 ICC Men's T20 World Cup, contributing to the team's title victory. Now, he could potentially rejoin the England team.

Watch: AB de Villiers Goes Beast Mode! Smashes 111 Off 40 Balls In Legends League

Shivam Sharma — Sat, 10 Oct 2026 08:51:34 +0530

Shortly after highlighting how former teammate Virat Kohli might be reaching his absolute career peak at age 37, AB de Villiers proved that class truly is permanent. Eight years after stepping away from international cricket and five years since his final professional franchise appearance, the 42-year-old maestro delivered an absolute masterclass in the World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2026.

Representing South Africa Champions, de Villiers produced a stunning unbeaten 111 off just 40 deliveries, turning a daunting 210-run chase into a routine stroll against Australia Champions.

A Total Blitzkrieg in Sharjah

Australia Champions posted a massive 209/5 in their allotted 20 overs, riding on fiery contributions from D'Arcy Short (66 off 25), skipper David Warner (48 off 37), and Joe Burns (38*).

However, any hopes the Australian side had of defending 210 were vaporized the moment de Villiers walked out at No. 3. Striking at an astonishing 277.50, "Mr. 360" reached his century in just 37 balls. He reserve-swept, pulled, and lofted 11 towering sixes alongside six boundaries, targeting all areas of the ground - including deep cover, long-off, and deep mid-wicket.

WATCH VIDEO

111* OFF 40, 𝑨𝑩𝑺𝑶𝑳𝑼𝑻𝑬 𝑩𝑬𝑨𝑺𝑻 DE VILLIERS 🥵🔥 Catch all the action from the World Championship of Legends LIVE on FanCode 📲 #WCL #Cricket #ABdeVilliers #Sixes https://t.co/NyXFdVofoI
— FanCode (@FanCode) October 9, 2026

AB DE VILLIERS. ABSOLUTE DESTRUCTION. The Superman of cricket puts on a breathtaking show, smashing 111 off just 40 balls, with 6 boundaries and 11 towering sixes! A masterclass in power-hitting as South Africa Champions cruise to an effortless 8-wicket victory, with ABD deservedly taking home the Player of the Match award. When AB is in the mood, records are just numbers! #abdevilliers #southafricachampions #wcl #wcl2026
— World Championship Of Legends (@WclLeague) October 9, 2026

Dominant Chase Seals Victory with 26 Balls to Spare

Opener Richard Levi laid a destructive foundation with a rapid 62 off 29 balls. Following his dismissal, de Villiers paired up with JP Duminy (27*) to seal the eight-wicket victory in just 15.4 overs, leaving stars like Faf du Plessis watching comfortably from the dugout.

Unmatched Dominance in Legends Cricket

De Villiers' heroics in the WCL have become a familiar sight. In the 2025 edition, he finished as the tournament's leading run-scorer by a distance, piling up 429 runs in six games at an outrageous strike rate of 220, including three centuries and a fifty.

Having last featured in professional franchise cricket during IPL 2021 for Royal Challengers Bengaluru, de Villiers continues to defy age, maintaining elite-level power hitting and effortless shotmaking on the global stage.

India's Shock Defeat Despite 249 Runs: Gautam Gambhir Points To Real Problem

Shivam Sharma — Sat, 10 Oct 2026 08:17:14 +0530

When a team puts 249 runs on the board in a T20I and still ends up on the losing side, questions over its bowling performance are inevitable. That was the situation India faced on Friday night in Ranchi, where the West Indies pulled off a remarkable chase to defeat the hosts.

India head coach Gautam Gambhir faced the media after a high-scoring contest in which both teams combined for 502 runs in 38.3 overs. While analysing the defeat, Gambhir singled out West Indies spinner Roston Chase for his crucial contribution, describing his spell as decisive.

" If you look at the context of the game, it (Roston Chase's spell) was a game-changing, match-winning spell. The way he changed his lines was important on this wicket. But against dangerous teams like West Indies, we need to find a way to defend totals," Gambhir said during the post-match press conference.

"You have to keep changing your lines and make the batters guess. If you keep bowling the same line and length, they can settle in. He bowled at the batters' legs, went wide and bowled full. He kept changing his approach, and those variations are very important on wickets like these."

"I don't blame anyone or anything. The bottom line is that we could not defend 250. They batted extremely well and deserved to win. We still have a lot of work to do."

Roston Chase Stuns India In Middle Overs

Chase finished with figures of 3/24, removing Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan and Shivam Dube during the middle overs. His spell helped the visitors regain control after India had made an aggressive start with the bat.

Sanju Samson top-scored for India with 82, while Shreyas Iyer and Tilak Varma also made quick contributions to take the hosts to 249/5. However, the imposing total proved insufficient as the West Indies reached the target in just 18.3 overs.

Mayank Yadav's Drop Proves Costly

India also had a missed opportunity in the field when Mayank Yadav dropped a catch offered by Sherfane Rutherford. The West Indies batter went on to score 84 and combined with Shai Hope, who remained unbeaten on 102, in a match-winning 120-run partnership.

"The toss is not in your hands. Catches get dropped; it has happened in the past and will happen in the future. Nobody drops catches intentionally, so you cannot blame anyone for that," Gambhir said.

"I don't know if there is a safe total. We thought 250 was a good score, especially after taking two early wickets. But credit to the West Indies for what they achieved with the bat," he added.

The visitors' explosive batting ultimately overshadowed India's big total, leaving Gambhir and the team with questions to answer about their ability to defend high scores against a dangerous West Indies batting line-up.

Chase''s spell was game-changing but we need to find ways to defend totals: Gambhir

PTI — Sat, 10 Oct 2026 00:15:02 +0530

Ranchi, Oct 9 (PTI): India head coach Gautam Gambhir on Friday credited Roston Chase's disciplined spell in the middle overs for checking India's charge, but said the hosts needed to find ways to defend big totals after West Indies pulled off a record chase to win the second T20I by six wickets here.

Chase returned figures of 3/24, dismissing Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan and Shivam Dube in the middle overs to slow India down after a flying start.

“If you look at the context of the game, it was a game-changing, match-winning spell. The way he changed his lines was important on this wicket. But against dangerous teams like West Indies, we need to find a way to defend totals," Gambhir said in the post-match press conference.

“You have to keep changing your lines and make the batters guess. If you keep bowling the same line and length, they can settle in. He bowled at the batters' legs, went wide and bowled full. He kept changing his approach, and those variations are very important on wickets like these,” Gambhir said.

India posted 249/5, powered by Samson's 82 and rapid knocks from Shreyas Iyer and Tilak Varma, but West Indies chased down the target in 18.3 overs

“I don't blame anyone or anything. The bottom line is that we could not defend 250. They batted extremely well and deserved to win. We still have a lot of work to do."

Mayank Yadav dropped a sitter as Sherfane Rutherford went on to score 84 in a match-winning 120-run partnership with Shai Hope (102 not out).

"The toss is not in your hands. Catches get dropped; it has happened in the past and will happen in the future. Nobody drops catches intentionally, so you cannot blame anyone for that.

"I don't know if there is a safe total. We thought 250 was a good score, especially after taking two early wickets. But credit to the West Indies for what they achieved with the bat,” he added. PTI TAP UNG

(This story is published as part of the auto-generated syndicate wire feed. No editing has been done in the headline or the body by ABP Live.)

Shai Hope’s Century Stuns India! West Indies Pull Off Record Chase to Level T20I Series

Suyash Sahay — Fri, 9 Oct 2026 22:44:49 +0530

IND vs WI 2nd T20I: West Indies produced a remarkable batting comeback to overcome India’s imposing total in the second T20I in Ranchi, drawing the series level at 1-1. Chasing 250 for victory, the visitors relied on a magnificent unbeaten century from captain Shai Hope to complete a record-breaking run chase in their T20I history. India had set the contest up for a high-scoring finish with 249/5 in their 20 overs. Sanju Samson led the charge with a blistering 82 from 41 balls, while Ishan Kishan contributed 43 off 22 deliveries.

Shreyas Iyer’s 40 from 18 balls and Tilak Varma’s unbeaten 44 off 18 ensured India finished with a daunting target.

Mayank Yadav Delivers Early Blows, But Hope Stands Firm

India initially appeared to have the upper hand when Mayank Yadav struck twice in quick succession.

Kamil Pooran departed for just five before the pacer dismissed Hetmyer on the very next delivery, leaving West Indies under immediate pressure.

Hope, however, refused to let the early setbacks dictate the chase.

The skipper took charge with an aggressive innings, keeping the required run rate within reach as he found boundaries regularly.

Rovman Powell offered some support with a handful of boundaries but could not convert his start into a substantial contribution.

Sherfane Rutherford then joined Hope in an important partnership, scoring 84 runs to keep the visitors firmly in the contest. Their stand helped West Indies recover and set up a dramatic finish.

Hope Goes Into Overdrive To Seal Historic Win

With five overs remaining, West Indies needed 63 runs with six wickets still available.

Hope continued to attack, and the arrival of Romario Shepherd added further firepower to the chase.

India struggled to contain the late onslaught. Arshdeep Singh conceded 17 runs in the 18th over, handing the visitors valuable momentum at a crucial stage.

Hope then struck two sixes in the following over, reaching the target in style.

The West Indies captain completed an unbeaten 102 off just 45 balls, guiding his side to a stunning victory and sealing their highest successful run chase in T20I cricket.

After India’s explosive batting display, Hope’s masterclass ensured the visitors walked away with the series level at 1-1.

SA vs AUS Test: Australia Stumble Under Pace Pressure As South Africa Dominate Day 1

IANS — Fri, 9 Oct 2026 21:15:31 +0530

Durban: A fast bowling attack minus spearhead Kagiso Rabada helped South Africa restrict Australia to 187/6 before bad light and rain brought an early end to the first day of the first Test at Kingsmead in Durban on Friday.

Despite missing Rabada, the likes of Anrich Nortje, Wiaan Mulder and Marco Jansen utilised early movement and bounce effectively after Australia elected to bat on a pitch carrying a tinge of grass. Mulder drew first blood by removing Travis Head (9), before Jansen ended Nic Maddinson’s scoreless 33-ball stay on his Test return to leave the visitors reeling at 24/2.

Marnus Labuschagne (37) and Steve Smith (25) mounted a recovery with a 60-run third-wicket alliance coming off 94 balls. Smith, who went past Steve Waugh to become Australia’s third-highest run-scorer in men’s Tests, hit spinner Keshav Maharaj for two sixes before falling to Jansen after lunch.

On the other hand, Labuschagne’s 11th consecutive innings without a fifty ended when Mulder trapped him LBW with a sharp nip-backer. Nortje, making his comeback to red-ball cricket after three years, then dealt a double blow in a single over -- removing Alex Carey (14) and Beau Webster (4) to reduce Australia to 124/6.

But Matt Renshaw (46 not out) and skipper Pat Cummins (33 not out) displayed immense patience under heavy overcast skies and floodlights by stitching together an unbeaten 63-run stand off 140 balls for the seventh wicket to steady the innings.

Bad light and light rain eventually cut the final session short by an hour, with 65.2 overs bowled on the day. Jansen, Mulder and Nortje shared two wickets apiece for the Proteas, while off-spinner Simon Harmer bowled an economical spell of 0-34 in 14 overs. Play will resume early on Saturday with Australia seeking to build on their late recovery.

Brief scores:

Australia 187/6 in 65.2 overs (Matt Renshaw 46 not out, Marnus Labuschagne 37; Wiaan Mulder 2-31, Marco Jansen 2-35) against South Africa

(This report has been published as part of the auto-generated syndicate wire feed. Apart from the headline, no editing has been done in the copy by ABP Live.)