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The Men in Blue are in Sri Lanka, gearing for their limited overs tour, which is set to commence from Saturday, July 27. Ahead of the three-match T20I series, the hosts have been handed another blow with their star pacer Nuwan Thushara getting ruled out due to a broken finger. Apart from this, the Harmanpreet Kaur-led India Women clinched their place in the final of the Women’s Asia Cup after a comprehensive 10-wicket win against Bangladesh on July 26.
In this article, we will go through all the big news that took place on July 25-26. But, before that, let’s take a look at the matches scheduled to take place today.
Today’s match preview
Women’s Asia Cup 2024 Semifinal 2: Sri Lanka Women vs Pakistan Women
The second semi-final of the Women’s Asia Cup 2024 will see Sri Lanka and Pakistan battle it out in Dambulla. The hosts Lankans went undefeated through the group and took down Thailand by 10 wickets in the last match. On the other hand, Pakistan started their campaign with a loss against India but since haven’t lost a single game.
Major cricket events that happened on July 25 and 26
India defeat Bangladesh by 10 wickets; reach 9th Women's Asia Cup final
India Women made way to their ninth consecutive final of the Women’s Asia Cup 2024, owing to a stellar bowling performance by Indian bowlers. The Harmanpreet Kaur-led women defeated Bangladesh by 10 wickets in the first semifinal on Friday, July 26. Smriti Mandhana completed her fifty and hit the winning boundary as India scored 83 runs in 11 overs.
Wasim Jaffer to replace Trevor Bayliss as PBKS head coach: Reports
According to a report by the Indian Express, Punjab Kings are set to name former India opener, Wasim Jaffer as their head coach. Moreover, this move comes after the Punjab-based franchise have decided not to renew Trevor Bayliss’ contract in the IPL. Bayliss has been the head coach of the side for two editions of the IPL.
Impact Player rule likely to continue in IPL 2025
According to latest reports, BCCI and IPL are likely to continue with the Impact Player rule in the next edition of the cash-rich league. Although, the IPL franchise owners are looking for a clear picture with respect to player retentions, Right to Match and impact player rule, a report by Sportstar stated that the last one is likely to stay for IPL 2025.
Nuwan Thushara ruled out of T20I series against India
Sri Lanka fast bowler Nuwan Thushara has been ruled out of the T20I series against India due to a broken finger. The news came a day after Sri Lanka announced that Dushmantha Chameera was out of the series due to illness, and was replaced by Asitha Fernando. Left-arm seamer Dilshan Madushanka has replaced Thushara in Sri Lanka’s squad.
Rahul Dravid's Samit son gets contract in Maharaja Trophy KSCA T20
Son of former India captain and T20 World Cup 2024 winning head coach Rahul Dravid, Samit, received his maiden Maharaja Trophy KSCA T20 contract. The youngster was picked up by last season's runner-up Mysuru Warriors at the auction. Samit Dravid is an all-rounder and was bought for INR 50,000. The 18-year-old bowls medium pace and bats in the middle-order.
Shoaib Malik requests India to travel to Pakistan for CT'25
Former Pakistan captain and veteran of the game, Shoaib Malik has made a request to the Indian cricket team to travel to Pakistan for the upcoming Champions Trophy, which is set to be played in February-March 2025. "Hum bahut acche log hai (we are good people). We're very hospitable people, so I'm sure the Indian team should definitely come," Malik told Cricket Pakistan.
Ruturaj Gaikwad appointed captain of Maharashtra Ranji Trophy team
On Thursday, July 25, the Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA) appointed Ruturaj Gaikwad as the captain for the upcoming Ranji Trophy 2024-25 season. The MCA also unveiled a 28-member probable squad for the premier red-ball tournament, which will kick-start on October 11, 2024, while the final is set to go down from February 26 to March 2, 2025.
Rohit will faint in South Africa during CWC 2027: Kris Srikkanth
The former Indian chief selector, Kris Srikkanth, spoke at length about Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s chances of potentially taking part in the ODI World Cup 2027. On his YouTube channel, he said that while Virat Kohli could take part in the quadrennial event, Rohit Sharma will faint in South Africa in his quest to win the premier 50-overs trophy.
South Africa's Gerald Coetzee ruled out of Test series against WI
Proteas Men’s fast bowler Gerald Coetzee has been ruled out of next month’s two-match Test series against West Indies due to a left side strain. North-West Dragons fast bowler Migael Pretorius has been named as his replacement. The uncapped Pretorius returns to the Test setup for the first time since his maiden call-up in December 2020 against Sri Lanka.
