BCCI today announced six zone squads for the upcoming Senior Women's Inter Zonal T20 Tournament. This will be the first time since 2017-18 that the tournament will take place. The tournament will start on the 8th of November and finish on the 16th of November, 2022.
There will be a total of 16 matches between 6 teams and one zonal team will be crowned as the champions after the final. Players who performed well in the recently concluded Senior Women's T20 Trophy, have been selected for their respective zonal teams to showcase their talent.
With the Women's IPL in mind in 2023, this can be a vital opportunity for uncapped players to impress one and all before the mega even starts. BCCI President Roger Binny has already stated that all the planning for the Women's IPL 2023 will start after the T20 World Cup 2022.
6 teams have been made for the Senior Women's Inter Zonal T20 Tournament. Maximum players from Bengal and Railways got selected mostly as they played the recently concluded final of the Senior Women's T20 Trophy.
Most centuries by Indian cricketers in WODIs: No one is catching Smriti Mandhana
With her 116 from 101 balls against Sri Lanka, Smriti Mandhana now has scored 11 tons in WODIs. Here is a list of seven women batters with the most centuries by Indian cricketers in WODIs.
With another century in the tri-nation series final against Sri Lanka, Smriti Mandhana now has extended her lead in the list of Indian players with the most centuries in Women's ODIs. The left-handed opener scored a staggering 116 from 101 balls to help India score 342 in the first inning in Colombo.
Here is a list of seven women batters with the most centuries by Indian cricketers in WODIs.
Former Indian batter Jaya Sharma was only the second female Indian cricketer to have scored a century in ODI cricket. She smashed two centuries in WODI cricket in her career.
While her first century had come against Pakistan during Women's Asia Cup 2005 in Karachi, she scored another one in a winning effort against Australia in 2007 in Chennai making her the first Indian women to score an ODI century at home.
The left-handed batter could've achieved the milestone a few years before had she converted a couple of nervous 90s into hundreds.
6. Jemimah Rodrigues | 2 Centuries
Jemimah Rodrigues etched her name in the record books with a blistering century as India Women posted 337/9 in 50 overs against South Africa Women in the fifth match of the Women’s Tri-Series 2025 at Colombo.
Rodrigues delivered a sensational knock of 123 runs off just 101 balls, anchoring the middle overs and setting the tone for a massive total. Her innings featured 15 fours and one six, scored at a strike rate of 121.78.
With this century, Jemimah has now joined the elite list of most centuries by Indian cricketers in WODIs. This is also Rodrigues' highest score in Women's ODIs after her 102 against Ireland Women earlier this year.
5. Thirush Kamini | 2 Centuries
Former Indian and Tamil Nadu opener Thirush Kamini played for India at a time when women's cricket wasn't really picking up in the country. Regardless, she did well in her limited opportunities and notched a ton twice in her ODI career that spanned 39 matches and scored 825 runs at an average of 25.78.
Kamini's maiden ODI hundred came in India's win over the West Indies in the 2013 ODI World Cup. She stroked a 146-ball 100 to power India to a total of 284/6 in the first innings. India won that match comfortably and Thirush Kamini was rightfully awarded the POTM award.
4. Punam Raut | 3 Centuries
The diminutive Indian batter Punam Raut was one of the pillars in Indian batting along with Harmanpreet, Smriti, Mithali and Veda Krishnmurthy. Punam has recorded three centuries in women's ODI cricket.
Punam smashed one WODI century at a home venue and two WODI centuries at neutral venues. Her highest score in this format is 109 not out against Ireland Women at Potchefstroom during the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2017.
3. Harmanpreet Kaur | 6 Centuries
Indian Women's Cricket team captain Harmanpreet Kaur is one of the finest batters in Indian women’s cricket history. The right-handed batter has scored six WODI centuries in her career.
Apart from three home WODI centuries, Harmanpreet also recorded two WODI hundreds at neutral venues and one more at an away venue. Her highest WODI score is 171 not out against Australia Women during the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2017 semi-final.
2. Mithali Raj | 7 Centuries
Former Indian cricketer and captain Mithali Raj (7805 runs) is still the only player to score 6000 and 7000 WODI runs. The leading WODI run-scorer was the previous record holder for most centuries by Indian cricketers in WODIs.
She recorded seven WODI hundreds in her career.
While Mithali scored three WODI centuries at home, the right-handed batter recorded three WODI centuries at neutral venues and one at an away venue. Her highest WODI knock was 125 not out against Sri Lanka Women at Katunayake in 2018.
Smriti Mandhan after scoring her 11th WODI ton in the tri-nation series final vs Sri Lanka. Image | AFP
Indian opening batter Smriti Mandhana is one of the best batters in the modern generation. The left-hander holds the record for most centuries by Indian cricketers in WODIs.
She achieved the record solely in January 2025 after scoring a 70-ball century against Ireland in the final ODI of a three-match series in Rajkot. It was her tenth WODI hundred.
Mandhana has scored four WODI centuries at home, five WODI centuries in away venues, and two WODI hundreds at neutral venues. By scoring three out of four WODI home centuries in 2024, she also became the first Indian player to record three WODI hundreds in a calendar year.
Her record WODI score is 136 against South Africa Women in the 2024 Bengaluru WODI.
In a first, 10 UAE batters retire out in ICC Women's T20 World Cup Asia Qualifier 2025
UAE retired all 10 of their batters to save time in their ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Asia Qualifier 2025 contest against Qatar, which worked well for them in the match.
In a display of strategic brilliance, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) women's cricket team executed a rare tactical move to secure a resounding 163-run victory against Qatar in the ICC Women's T20 World Cup Asia Qualifier 2025.
The match, played under looming rain clouds, saw UAE retire their entire batting line-up after amassing 192 runs in just 16 overs, a decision that paved the way for a dominant performance with the ball.
They were 192/0 after 16 overs, but after forecasting the rain, Ahmed Raza, the head coach of the UAE Women's Cricket team, sent the whole batting lineup one after another to make them retire out.
With rain threatening to disrupt proceedings, UAE's management and coach, Ahmed Raza, made a bold call at the 16-over mark.
Confident in their substantial score, they opted to retire out their entire batting line-up—a move akin to declaring in a first-class match but unprecedented in the T20I format. For your information, declaring the inning in T20Is is not allowed.
This allowed the UAE to immediately shift focus to their bowling attack, saving crucial time in a weather-affected contest.
Qatar Crumbled Under UAE's Bowling Might
The decision paid dividends as UAE's bowlers ran riot, skittling Qatar for a mere 29 runs in under 12 overs.
The clinical bowling performance sealed a mammoth win, significantly boosting UAE's net run rate and strengthening their position in the tournament.
This victory marks UAE's second consecutive win in the Asia Qualifier, positioning them favorably to advance to the Super Three stage. The top three teams from the group stage will progress to this phase, with the top two earning a coveted spot in the Global Qualifier in early 2026.
Exclusive: Bowls like Malinga, once doubted by her family, Nadia's Sonali Das is set for Bengal Pro T20 League dreams after 8-wicket haul in School Cricket
After making her mark in the U-16 Girls' School Cricket tournament with 8 wickets in the semi-final and a decent C.A.B. Women's Club tournament, Sonali Das is now ready to showcase her talent in Bengal Pro T20 League 2025.
It is uncommon in India for a girl to pursue a career in sports without facing skepticism from family and friends. Four years ago, Sonali Das from Habibpur, Nadia, picked up a cricket ball to bowl after being inspired by videos of Jhulan Goswami. At that time, many doubted her aspirations, and some even laughed at her.
However, in just four years, the 16-year-old has turned those doubts into confidence and laughter into applause. She bowls like Malinga, a fact that becomes immediately evident to anyone who sees her bowl.
With an impressive 8-wicket haul in the semi-finals of the U-16 Girls School Cricket and receiving the Bowler of the Tournament award in the presence of her idol, Jhulan Goswami, Sonali now has her sights set on representing Bengal in the upcoming Bengal Pro T20 League 2025.
Recently, Sonali was selected by the Adamas Howrah Warriors for this prestigious tournament, an opportunity that brings her one step closer to realising her dreams. Sportz Point had the privilege of hearing her inspiring story in an exclusive interview.
"Watching Jhulan Maam's videos inspired me to play cricket"
Sonali along with her teammates after winning the C.A.B. U16 Girls School Tournament. Image | C.A.B.
Sonali fell in love with cricket at the age of 12, captivated by Jhulan Goswami's bowling. Like countless other girls in the country, she aspired to emulate the greatest bowler in women's cricket history. Notably, both Jhulan and Sonali hail from the same district in Nadia, West Bengal.
"I started getting attached and loving this game after watching Jhulan Goswami maa'm bowl. I just loved how she used to clean up stumps at the international level. Everything started from there for me," Sonali told Sportz Point.
However, convincing the family to support a sporting career can be challenging, especially for a 12-year-old girl in India.
"Initially, my father was reluctant to send me to a cricket coaching centre. But after COVID, I managed to persuade him to enrol me in a coaching centre in Ranaghat," Sonali recounted.
Sonali's journey began at a cricket coaching camp in Ranaghat, where her unique bowling style caught the attention of others, though she also faced harsh criticism. During a U-14 District Zonal camp, coach Paramita Roy noticed Sonali’s accuracy and aggressiveness and believed that with proper training, Sonali could become a future star for Bengal.
Soon, Sonali started her 3-hour-long train journey three days a week to reach her goals. And, Goutam Das, Sonali's father, understood that her daughter was born to do something great in cricket.
Getting noticed by the greats during the Girls' School Tournament
Sonali Das recieving the Bowler of the Tournament Award in the U-16 Girls School Cricket. Image | C.A.B.
As the training started under Paramita Roy, Goutam Das felt that to help her daughter shine in cricket, she needed to be closer to the coaching camp and avoid a long journey. Along with that, he realised that Sonali needed to play more tournaments to enhance her skills.
Soon, he admitted Sonali to Infocus India Public School so that Sonali could take part in the C.A.B. Organised U-16 Girls School Cricket. And that tournament turned out to be a turning point for Sonali.
"I began working under Paramita Ma'am and improved rapidly as a bowler. She also focused on my batting so I could contribute valuable runs in the lower order," Sonali explained.
"With my progress, I gained support from everyone around me. Now, I live in a rented place in Kolkata to minimise travel for practice. My father has been my biggest supporter on this journey," she emphasised.
"Playing in the U-16 Girls' School Cricket tournament changed the trajectory of my career. I was noticed by many former Indian cricketers like Jhulan (Goswami) Maa'm, Lopamudra Bhattacharji) Maa'm and Gargi (Banerjee) Maa'm during the tournament. They all gave me some valuable advice to improve and work on."
That 8/9 in the semi-final
Sonali's moment came when she rattled through South Point High School, batting line up and returned with a bowling figure of 8 for 9 runs and also scored 22 runs as Infocus India Public School defeated South Point by 306 runs. Sonali received the Player of the match award from former India cricketer Gargi Banerjee, which she feels is one of the best moments of her career.
In the final against Behala Kishore Bharati Girls' High School, Sonali again returned with 3 wickets for only 9 runs as Infocus India Public School won the tournament. Sonali won the "Best Bowler of the Tournament" award for taking 15 wickets in just 5 matches.
Sonali recieving a Player of the match award for Salkia Freinds. Image collected.
This helped her get drafted into the C.A.B. Women's Club Tournament, where she got the chance to go shoulder to shoulder against some of the best in Bengal cricket. In the C.A.B. Women's Club Cricket League (ONE-DAY) Tournament 2024-2025, Sonali returned with 9 wickets in 6 matches at an average of 18.67, to gain the trust of Adamas Howarh Warriors Franchise to pick her for the Bengal Pro T20 League 2025.
"I am thankful to everyone in the Adamas Howrah Warriors for picking me for this huge tournament. I am delighted to get this opportunity," Sonali stated.
"My immediate goal is to help the franchise do well in the tournament under Dhara (Gujjar) di. And then play for the Bengal U-19 team. I know if I can make myself ready for the U-19 level, I will be doing good. It is all about taking it step by step," the 16-year-old pacer shared.
Post the Bengal Pro T20 League 2025, Sonali will be shifting to Kolkata along with her parents to fully focus on cricket. She now just wants to make her parents and family proud.
"We will be shifting to Kolkata permanently only for my cricket. I just want to make my parents and family proud and happy," she expressed.
The Bengal Pro Women's T20 League 2025 will start from 16th May, till 4th June at the M.G.R. Sports Academy Ground in Birbhum, West Bengal.
ICC Anounces Venue and Key Dates for The ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 England
ICC has confirmed seven venues that will host the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 in England next year, with the Lord's Cricket Ground set as the venue for the Final.
The ICChas officially announced that the Final of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 will be held at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground on 5th July. The news was shared during a special launch event at Lord’s on 1st May.
Alongside this major reveal, it was confirmed that the matches will also be played at other popular venues across England, including Edgbaston, the Hampshire Bowl, Headingley, Old Trafford, The Oval, and the Bristol County Ground.
The tournament is set to kick off on 12th June and will run for 24 days, featuring a total of 33 matches leading up to the highly anticipated final at Lord’s. The complete match schedule is expected to be released soon.
All the confirmed venues for the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026. Image | ICC
Featuring a record 12 teams, the 2026 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup will be the biggest edition in the tournament’s history. With two more teams than the previous edition, fans can expect fierce competition as the world’s top sides battle it out for the title.
Qualified Teams for the Women's T20 World Cup 2026
England (Host)
Australia
India
New Zealand
Pakistan
South Africa
Sri Lanka
West Indies
Four additional teams will join them through the Qualifier scheduled next year.
The 12 teams will be split into two groups of six for the group stage, followed by the knockout rounds and finals.
Official Statement
ICC Chairman Jay Shah opened up about the tournament, saying, "The confirmation of venues represents a defining moment as we build towards the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026"
"The sell-out Women’s Cricket World Cup final at Lord’s in 2017 remains a landmark in the rise of the women’s game, and I cannot think of a more fitting stage for the final."
"As we turn our focus to preparing for the tournament, we are excited by the promise of thrilling T20 action that will not only captivate fans here but also serve as a showcase for cricket’s return on the Olympic stage in Los Angeles 2028."
Legacy
New Zealand Women's Cricket Team celebrating their 1st title defeating South Africa in the final. Image | ESPNcricinfo
Moving on from the most recent edition, hosted by Bangladesh in the UAE in 2024, saw New Zealandclaim their first-ever title, defeating South Africa by 32 runs in the final.
The 2026 Women’s T20 World Cup will mark the milestone 10th edition of the tournament, which began in 2009.
Young Indian women's cricket team batsman Pratika Rawal created history on Tuesday by becoming the fastest batter to reach 500 runs in Women’s ODI in the second match of the triangular series against South Africa at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.
Pratika Rawal and Smriti Mandhana gave the Indian innings a strong start and shared a crucial 83-run partnership for the first wicket. Mandhana scored 36 runs off 54 balls but was caught out by Annerie Dercksen and returned to the pavilion. Pratika continued her excellent form and completed 500 runs in her ODI career.
Pratika Rawal reached the 500-run mark in just her eighth innings, surpassing England’s Charlotte Edwards, who had held the previous record of nine innings. Rawal achieved this in the fourth over of India’s innings, when she collected a single off Masabata Klaas after pulling a short-pitched delivery.
Earlier in the first match of the series, Rawal had won the 'Player of the Match' title by scoring an unbeaten 50 runs off 62 balls, where India registered a spectacular victory by 9 wickets.
Consecutive fifty-plus scores in ODIs
In the match against South Africa, 24-year-old Pratika Rawal played an important innings of 78 runs in 91 balls, which included 1 six and 7 fours. She brought up her half-century in 58 deliveries, reaching the milestone with a six. With this, Rawal also became only the second Indian woman, after Mithali Raj, to register five consecutive fifty-plus scores in ODIs.
Rawal also strengthened the Indian innings by sharing 68 runs with Harleen Deol for the second wicket. Her innings was crucial in taking the team's score to a good level. Although she was bowled by Nonkululeko Mlaba, by then she had already made a big contribution.
Rawal's streak began with an 89 against Ireland
Rawal's streak began with an 89 against Ireland in Rajkot, followed by scores of 67 and 154 in the same series. She continued with an unbeaten 50 against Sri Lanka before her knock against South Africa. In eight innings so far, Rawal has accumulated 572 runs, including one century and five fifties, at an average exceeding 80.
Rawal made her ODI debut in December 2024 against the West Indies in Vadodara, replacing Shafali Verma at the top of the order. She scored 40, 76, and 18 in that series before making an impact against Ireland earlier this year. Her consistent performances have quickly elevated her to one of India’s most promising top-order batters.
With this world record, Rawal also overtakes Mithali Raj’s Indian record of reaching 500 ODI runs in 13 innings, and becomes the fastest Indian — across men’s and women’s ODIs — to reach the landmark, ahead of Shubman Gill’s 10 innings.
The excitement of the triangular series continues
The tri-series being played between the women's teams of India, Sri Lanka and South Africa has started from April 27. Under this series, every team will play two matches each against the other two teams.
The top two teams in the points table after all the league matches will face each other for the title in the final on May 11. In this series, the players are getting a good opportunity to get into form and test the team combination.
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