Mike Cricket Blog | Latest Cricket News, IPL 2026 & Updates

  India Women continued their dominant form in T20 cricket , defeating Sri Lanka Women by 30 runs in the 4th T20I at Greenfield International Stadium, Thiruvananthapuram . With this win, India clinched a 4–0 lead in the five-match series, highlighting their strength and consistency ahead of upcoming ICC tournaments. India Women’s Batting Dominance After winning the toss and choosing to bat, India Women posted a massive total , putting Sri Lanka Women under immediate pressure. Smriti Mandhana anchored the innings with fluent stroke play and classy boundaries. Shafali Verma gave India an explosive start, punishing loose deliveries and keeping the scoring rate high. Richa Ghosh added crucial late runs, helping India surpass the 200-run mark , a challenging target in T20 cricket. The top-order partnership provided a strong foundation, allowing the middle order to accelerate in the latter overs. Sri Lanka Women Struggle in the Chase Chasing over 200, Sri Lanka Women...

  Indian domestic cricket witnessed an extraordinary moment as Vaibhav Sooryavanshi , a 14-year-old cricketer representing Bihar , delivered a record-breaking performance in the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025–26 . His innings captured the attention of cricket fans nationwide and established him as one of India’s most promising young talents. Historic Performance in Vijay Hazare Trophy Facing Arunachal Pradesh , Sooryavanshi scored an astonishing 190 runs off just 84 balls . His innings included 16 fours and 15 sixes , combining power hitting with remarkable control and timing. He reached his century in only 36 balls , making him the youngest centurion in men’s List A cricket history . Such an achievement is rare and demonstrates exceptional skill and composure at a very young age. Record-Breaking Milestones Vaibhav’s performance didn’t stop at the century. He reached 150 runs in 59 balls , the fastest 150 in List A cricket history . His knock helped Bihar post a massive 574/6 in 50 ...

Virat Kohli has once again shown why he is the heartbeat of Indian cricket. His brilliant century for Delhi in the Vijay Hazare Trophy didn’t just help his team win it also caused over 1 million Google searches in just a few hours! A Comeback for the Ages After nearly 15 years away from domestic List A cricket, Kohli returned to the Vijay Hazare Trophy with a bang. Fans tracked every shot, every run, and every boundary as he paced his innings with his trademark intensity. What would normally be a quiet domestic match became a nationwide spectacle. The Digital Frenzy Google India confirmed that Kohli became the most-searched personality during the Delhi vs Andhra Pradesh match. Social media exploded with highlights, clips, and trending hashtags celebrating his performance. Kohli’s presence alone turned domestic cricket into prime-time entertainment. More Than Just Numbers This century wasn’t only about personal achievement. It highlighted his dedication, leadership, and the valu...

 Indian women’s cricket has achieved a significant milestone as Deepti Sharma climbed to the No. 1 spot in the ICC Women’s T20I Bowling Rankings . This marks a career-first achievement for the talented off-spinner and highlights her consistent performances on the international stage. This article explores her journey, skillset, and the broader impact of this historic accomplishment. Deepti Sharma’s Journey to the Top Deepti Sharma’s rise to the top is a result of years of consistent performance, hard work, and discipline . Her latest boost in ranking came after an economical spell in the opening T20I against Sri Lanka, where she conceded just 20 runs and took one wicket. While her numbers may seem modest, her ability to control the game during crucial overs and break partnerships made a significant impact on India’s victory. This consistency has now earned her the world No. 1 T20I bowler position. Mastering the T20 Format In a format dominated by aggressive batting, Deepti S...

  The Boxing Day Test has always been more than just another fixture on the calendar. Played at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, it carries history, expectation, and scrutiny unlike any other match in Australian cricket. This year, the build-up has taken an unexpected turn. With Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon ruled out due to injury , Australia have turned to Todd Murphy and Jhye Richardson , a move that reshapes not just the playing XI, but the narrative surrounding the Test itself. When Experience Goes Missing Pat Cummins’ absence is immediately felt. As captain, he has been the calm centre of Australia’s Test side, blending aggression with control. His leadership has often been most visible not in big moments, but in the quiet decisions: when to rotate bowlers, when to slow the game, when to press. Nathan Lyon’s injury removes another pillar. Few bowlers understand the rhythm of a Test match like Lyon. At the MCG especially, his ability to bowl long, economical spells has repeated...

 Australia have retained the Ashes after defeating England by 82 runs in the third Test at Adelaide , taking an unassailable 3-0 lead in the five-match series. With two Tests remaining, England can no longer win the series, ensuring the Ashes urn stays with Australia. The victory highlights Australia’s continued dominance at home and exposes the ongoing challenges England face on Australian soil. Third Test Summary: Australia in Control From the opening sessions, Australia set the tone with disciplined batting and strategic bowling. The hosts posted a competitive total, putting England under pressure throughout the match. England attempted to fight back during the fourth innings but struggled to build partnerships. Wickets fell regularly, and the team ultimately finished 82 runs short of the target . Australia’s control of key moments proved decisive. Why Australia Secured the Ashes Early Several factors contributed to Australia’s Ashes retention: Consistent pace bowling...

  India’s cricket selectors have revealed the official squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 , and it’s already making waves. The tournament, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka , begins in early 2026. As defending champions, India’s selection choices have major implications for their title defence. The squad announcement features some bold moves: Shubman Gill has been omitted , Ishan Kishan has earned a recall , and Axar Patel has been appointed vice-captain . Let’s break down what these decisions mean for Team India. Shubman Gill Omitted From T20 World Cup Squad The biggest headline from India’s squad announcement is the exclusion of Shubman Gill . Despite being a highly rated batter who has delivered consistently in longer formats, Gill’s T20 performances have lacked the impact selectors were looking for. In T20 cricket, power, quick scoring, and adaptability are vital. The selectors prioritized players who can change games instantly, even if it means leaving out establish...

 Day 3 of the third Ashes Test at Adelaide Oval belonged to Travis Head. Once again, the left-hander turned the pitch into his personal stage, helping Australia dominate England and take control of the match. By stumps, Australia were 271 for 4 in their second innings , giving them an overall lead of 356 runs . With this advantage, England faces a steep challenge to stay in the Test. Head’s Adelaide Magic Adelaide seems to bring out the best in Travis Head. Under the lights and in front of a cheering home crowd, he played a brilliant unbeaten century. Head’s innings was not reckless. It was a mix of patience, smart shot selection, and calculated aggression. England tried short balls, spin changes, and defensive fields — but nothing worked. Every boundary reminded England of Australia’s dominance, and Head rotated the strike perfectly to keep the pressure on. England’s Struggles England started the day hoping to regain momentum, but their plan fell apart. The bowlers struggl...

 The 2025/26 Ashes series has entered a critical phase. On the second day of the Third Test at Adelaide Oval , England’s first-innings woes continued as they were bowled out for 213/8 , trailing Australia by 158 runs after the hosts posted a competitive 371 . This performance highlights England’s ongoing struggle against a resolute and disciplined Australian side. In this article, we explore how Australia’s batting strength and England’s batting vulnerabilities shaped the match, why this matters for the Ashes series, and what might lie ahead as the battle unfolds in Adelaide. Australia’s First Innings: Steady, Strategic, and Strong Australia’s innings was a masterclass in Test batting discipline. Instead of explosive stroke play, Australia built their total with patient partnerships that frustrated England’s bowling attack. Key aspects of Australia’s innings: Consistent partnerships across the batting order prevented England from gaining quick breakthroughs. Valuable co...

  The IPL 2026 auction witnessed a historic moment as Australian all-rounder Cameron Green became the most expensive overseas player ever sold in Indian Premier League history . The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) secured Green for a staggering ₹25.20 crore , setting a new benchmark for foreign players and underlining the growing demand for elite all-rounders in modern T20 cricket. The record-breaking bid capped off an intense auction sequence that saw several franchises competing aggressively for Green’s signature. In the end, KKR’s determination and clear strategy paid off, landing one of the most valuable players in the global T20 circuit. IPL 2026 Auction: A Record-Setting Moment Cameron Green’s price surpassed all previous overseas records at the IPL auction, placing him among the highest-valued players overall in league history. The bidding war reflected a clear trend in franchise cricket — teams are prioritizing players who can contribute across multiple disciplines rather ...

  England face a defining moment in their Ashes campaign as they head into the third Test against Australia at Adelaide Oval. Trailing 2–0 in the five-match series, England must produce a complete turnaround to avoid losing the Ashes before the final two Tests. The opening matches have been a sobering experience for Ben Stokes’ side. Despite entering the series with confidence, England have struggled to cope with Australian conditions, while the hosts have delivered disciplined and dominant performances in all departments. Australia Dominate Early Ashes Encounters Australia’s control of the series has been built on consistency. Their pace attack has applied relentless pressure, exploiting movement and bounce to dismantle England’s batting lineup. Early wickets have been a recurring issue for England, preventing them from building momentum or setting competitive totals. With the bat, Australia have been calm and methodical. Key players have converted solid starts into match-defi...

 India continued their strong performance in the T20I series against South Africa with a convincing seven-wicket victory in the third match at Dharamsala , taking a 2–1 lead in the five-match series. The win highlighted India’s disciplined bowling effort and a calm, controlled batting display in challenging conditions. Match Summary: India vs South Africa 3rd T20I The third T20 International was played at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium, where the pitch offered early assistance to fast bowlers. After winning the toss, India chose to bowl first, a decision that quickly proved effective. South Africa struggled to settle and lost wickets at regular intervals. With limited partnerships and mounting pressure, the visitors failed to accelerate and were eventually bowled out for 117 runs , a below-par total on a ground known for improving batting conditions later in the match. Indian Bowlers Deliver a Team Effort India’s bowlers made full use of the conditions, main...

  The Under-19 Asia Cup 2025 delivered an unforgettable moment when Vaibhav Suryavanshi produced a sensational innings of 171 runs off 95 balls , instantly becoming one of the tournament’s biggest talking points. Playing in India’s opening match, the young batter showcased exceptional skill, confidence, and maturity far beyond his age. Against the United Arab Emirates, Suryavanshi’s innings stood out not only for the number of runs scored but also for the manner in which they were accumulated. A Steady Beginning Sets the Stage Suryavanshi started his innings with patience, focusing on timing and placement rather than power. He rotated the strike effectively and allowed his partnerships to develop, ensuring that India built a solid platform early in the innings. As his confidence grew, so did his range of shots. Once he reached his half-century, the tempo of the innings changed noticeably. His century came in just 56 balls , highlighting his ability to accelerate without losing...

  South Africa produced a stellar all-round performance to beat India by 51 runs in the second T20I of the five-match series, leveling the contest at 1–1 . The match saw Quinton de Kock’s explosive batting set the foundation for a commanding South African total, while India struggled to chase down 214 runs. Quinton de Kock Leads South Africa’s Charge Winning the toss and electing to bat, South Africa started aggressively. Quinton de Kock was the standout performer, smashing 90 runs off 46 balls . His fearless stroke play, quick singles, and boundary-hitting in the powerplay provided momentum for the team. Middle-order contributions helped South Africa maintain momentum, finishing at 213/4 in 20 overs—a total India found daunting to chase. India’s Chase Falters Under Pressure India’s chase began on shaky ground with early wickets falling, putting the team under immediate pressure. Tilak Varma played a composed innings, scoring a half-century , but lack of partnerships aroun...

 Hardik Pandya delivered a powerful reminder of his finishing abilities as he smashed an unbeaten 59 off 28 balls in the first T20I against South Africa. His explosive knock played a decisive role in India’s 101-run victory, setting the tone for the series and giving fans a glimpse of the Hardik Pandya they’ve been waiting to see. A Knock That Shifted the Momentum India was looking for a late push when Hardik Pandya walked to the crease. The conditions were ideal for acceleration, and Pandya seized the moment with complete authority. Every shot reflected confidence—pulls, lofted drives, late cuts, and clean hits straight down the ground. His strike rate climbed rapidly, pushing India’s total beyond South Africa’s reach. Pandya’s timing looked crisp, his footwork smooth, and his decision-making sharp. By the time he finished his innings unbeaten, India had gained total control of the match. A Much-Needed Return to Form This innings carried significance beyond numbers. Hardik P...

 The stage is set for an exciting showdown as the India national cricket team takes on the South Africa national cricket team in the 1st T20I tonight at 7:00 PM IST at Barabati Stadium, Cuttack . This match marks the beginning of a crucial T20 series, especially with the World Cup approaching. Both sides arrive with strong squads, fresh strategies, and plenty to prove. Why This Match Matters This series isn’t just another bilateral contest — it’s a major opportunity for both teams to lock in form and finalize combinations ahead of global tournaments. For India India will use this series to: Test returning players Fine-tune their middle order Decide on the right balance between power hitters and stabilizing anchors For South Africa South Africa enter with their trademark pace power, hoping to challenge India in conditions that demand adaptability, patience, and smart decision-making. Match Details Match: India vs South Africa — 1st T20 International Ven...

 Australia strengthened their position in the 2025–26 Ashes series with a convincing eight-wicket victory over England in the second Test at the Gabba. The win gives Australia a firm 2–0 lead and keeps the momentum firmly on their side as the teams prepare for the upcoming Day-Night Test in Adelaide. The Gabba—historically one of Australia’s strongest venues—once again delivered a performance that highlighted the home side’s control, discipline, and tactical sharpness. Australia’s Bowlers Set the Tone Early From the opening passages of play, Australia’s bowlers dictated the direction of the match. Their accuracy and relentless pressure prevented England from settling into any kind of rhythm. Short bursts of resistance appeared, but Australia quickly tightened the grip each time England tried to push forward. A major highlight came from Michael Neser, whose return to Test cricket proved decisive. His ability to extract movement off the pitch and bowl demanding lines troubled En...