Babar Azam has continued his brilliance in the shortest version, and has now become the joint-fastest to 3000 runs in T20I cricket. The Pakistan skipper got to the milestone in the sixth T20I against England in Lahore on Friday, September 30, which happened to be his 81st outing in the format.
Babar drew level with Virat Kohli in terms of innings taken, after the former had reached the mark against England in March last year. The two take the pole position in all T20Is - men's and women's cricket combined - in terms of being the fastest to reach 3000 runs.
Babar also surpassed Ireland's Paul Stirling to become the fourth-highest run-scorer in men's T20Is. He now has 3035 runs at 43.98 and a strike-rate of 130.09 with 27 fifties and two hundreds. The overall chart is led by India skipper Rohit Sharma (3694), followed by Kohli (3663) and Martin Guptill (3497).
Babar would eventually finish at an unbeaten 87* off 59 in Pakistan's first innings effort of 169/6 after being put in to bat. The innings studded with seven fours and three sixes was a significant contribution on a day when no other Pakistan batter crossed 31. David Willey and Sam Curran bagged two wickets each for England, while Reece Topley and Richard Gleeson returned 1/31 and 1/39 from their respective four-over spells.
3000 T20I runs for Babar Azam; becomes only the fifth batter to reach the mark
Babar currently has 281 runs at 70.25 from six innings in the series thus far, a tally bettered only by his opening partner Mohammad Rizwan (315). The pair had added a record 203-run unbeaten stand in Pakistan's 10-wicket win in the second T20I last week, with Babar registering his second hundred in the format.
Pakistan currently lead the seven-match series 3-2, having won a last-over thriller by six runs at the same venue on Wednesday.
ENG vs IND, 4th test: Three Indian players ruled out, what could be possible Indian lineup?
Akash Deep, Arshdeep Singh, along with Nitish Kumar Reddy have been ruled out of the ENG vs IND, 4th test in Manchester. Here is the possible lineup of the Indian cricket team in the fourth test.
Indian cricket team management suffered major setbacks ahead of the ENG vs IND, 4th test in Manchester, starting from Wednesday. Two Indian pacers, Akash Deep and Ashdeep Singh, have been ruled out of the 4th test along with all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy.
With three players already ruled out due to injuries, Shubman Gill and company will have to find solutions within the squad to name a strong playing XI at Old Trafford.
Left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh, who was hit on his bowling hand, needed stitches. As per the reports of the Indian Express on Sunday, the Medium Pacer will need at least 10 days to recover. This has already ruled him out of the fourth test, and he is unlikely to return for the final test starting on 31st July.
Arshdeep Singh suffered a finger injury while bowling at the nets. Image | BCCI on X
As per the same report by The Indian Express, another pacer, Akash Deep, who was India's hero in their first-ever Test win in Birmingham, has issues with his groin and back. The Indian team management does not want to take risks with his injuries, and thus, he will be monitored as a precaution.
On the other hand, Hindustan Times reported that all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy suffered an injury during the gym session on Sunday. So he is also ruled out of the fourth test at Old Trafford Stadium.
In the situation where India are trailing by 1-2 in the Test series and needs to win the 4th test, to be in contention to win the series, Gautam Gambhir and company will have to dig deep to find solutions.
Here are the solutions India can go for during the 4th test.
#1 Bumrah, Siraj, Shardul, and who?
Shardul Thakur during a parctice session. Image - BCCI on X
With both Akashdeep and Arshdeep Singh being ruled out, there is certainty that Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammad Siraj will be India's leading pacers in the fourth test. Although our questions on the workload management of both those pacers, they will have to be at their best if India wants to bring balance to the series.
Now, with Nitish Kumar Reddy's injury, India will have to go back to Shardul Thakur, who played in the first test in Leeds. The Mumbai all-rounder only scored 4 runs and took two wickets in that match.
But if India wants to go for another pacer, they will have the option of Prasidh Krishna and newcomer Anshul Kamboj. Krishna, who did not do very well in the first two test matches, might not be brought back. In that case, Kamboj, who has done well in the first-class games he has played so far, is likely to get his test cap.
Kuldeep last played a test match in 2024. Image | BCCI on X
Now, this has been an inclusion that Indian fans have been waiting for from the first test. Kuldeep, who last featured in test matches for India in 2024 against New Zealand at home, can bring the ex-factor in the bowling lineup. But this will leave the batting lineup a bit thin.
Since Gautam Gambhir has always looked to go for that added batting cushion, it will be hard for Kuldeep to find his place. Even if he plays, will India look to sacrifice Washington Sundar? This would be a very hard question to answer.
#3 Jurel to keep, Pant to play as a specialist batter
Jurel kept wickets for India during the Lord's test. Image | BCCI on X
Along with these three injuries, we had already reported that Rishabh Pant has not recovered fully from the finger injury he suffered during the Lord's Test. In that case, Dhruv Jurel, who kept wicket at Lord's, is likely to play as a wicket keeper while Rishabh Pant could play as only a specialist batter.
If Jurel comes in, India can leave Shardul out and bring Kuldeep Yadav into the playing XI. However, it will only depend on the pitch condition.
ENG vs IND, 4th test: India's possible lineup
Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill (C), Rishabh Pant, Dhruv Jurel (wk), Washington Sundar, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj
BAN vs PAK: Most T20I runs for Bangladesh against Pakistan
With the BAN vs PAK T20I series starting from 20th July, we have covered some interesting stats. Here are the players with the most T20I runs for Bangladesh against Pakistan.
Litton Das is the active batter with most T20I runs for Bangladesh. Image | AFP
The Bangladesh vs Pakistan T20I series is all set to start from 20th July 2025. The 3-match T20I series will be played in Mirpur, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
Before the series starts, we present you with the list of players with the most T20I runs for Bangladesh against Pakistan.
Most T20I runs for Bangladesh against Pakistan
Currently, Shakib-Al-Hasan leads the chart of players with the most T20I runs for Bangladesh against Pakistan. Not only that, Shakib is also the Bangladeshi batter with the most T20I runs for the Tigers.
#5 Mohammed Nazimuddin | 123 runs
Image | AFP
2 matches
123 runs
61.50 avg.
125.51 strike-rate
Nazimuddin, who played only two T20I games for Bangladesh against Pakistan way back in 2007-08, has scored 123 runs with a stunning average of 61.50.
Interestingly, despite performing well in that Pakistan tour of Bangladesh in 2008, he was dropped from the T20I side and never played in that format for his country.
The right-handed top-order batter even scored a fifty in his two games for Bangladesh against Pakistan. His career-best of 81 also came against Pakistan. Due to his competition with other opening batters and a slow strike-rate, he could not find a place in the team.
The left-handed batter scored 186 runs in 9 matches for Bangladesh against Pakistan.
Although he has already played 70 T20I matches for the Tigers, he has not been able to do justice to the talent he has. Hossain first played against Pakistan in 2020 and last played in the Asian Games 2024.
#3 Litton Das | 210 runs
Litton Das during his 69-run inning vs Pakistan in 2022. Image | Getty Images
8 matches
210 runs
26.25 avg.
131.25 strike-rate
The current Bangladeshi T20I captain, Litton Das, has done well in the chances he got against Pakistan. The flamboyant top-order batter has scored 210 runs in 8 matches against Pakistan at a strike-rate of 131.25.
Litton has also hit a fifty against Pakistan in Christchurch in 2022 during the T20I tri-series between them and hosts New Zealand.
In the upcoming BAN vs PAK T20I series, Das will get his chances to increase the number of runs.
#2 Tamim Iqbal | 235 runs
Tamin playing through the leg side during the 2020 series vs Pakistan.
11 matches
235 runs
21.36 avg.
120.51 strike-rate
There are hardly any T20I stats for Bangladesh where Tamim Iqbal does not appear. The former left-handed opener and part of the 'Golden era' of Bangladesh cricket, scored 235 runs in 11 matches for Bangladesh against Pakistan.
He was the first Bangladeshi batter to score a T20I hundred.
From 2007 to 2020, Tamim scored at a 120.51 strike rate against Pakistan, which is higher than his career T20I strike rate of 116.96. His only fifty against Pakistan came in his last inning against the neighbours in Lahore in 2020.
Shakib during his unbeaten fifty run inning vs Pakistan in 2016 T20I World Cup. Image | AFP
11 matches
360 runs
40 avg.
132.35 strike-rate
Probably the greatest Bangladeshi player, Shakib-Al-Hasan, has always proved himself against better opponents. The left-handed all-rounder has scored the most T20I runs for Bangladesh against Pakistan.
Not only that, his 2551 T20I runs are also a record for any Bangladeshi batter.
In 11 matches against Pakistan, Shakib scored 360 runs, including four fifties, at an outstanding average of 40.00. He also had a strike rate of 132.35 against the Pakistani team.
In fact, Shakib has scored the most T20I runs against Pakistan in his career.
Kranti Goud struck twice for India in the first powerplay. Image | PA Photos/Getty Images
Nat Sciver-Brunt won the toss and decided to bat first. Her decision took a back seat when Kranti Goud dismissed Amy Jones (1) in her first and inning's second over. Soon, Tammy Beaumont (5) became Goud's second hunt in the fourth over of the match.
At 20/2, England needed a partnership, and Emma Lamb and captain Nat Sciver-Brunt provided that for them. A 71-run partnership for the third wicket bailed them out.
India did miss their chances as Smriti Mandhana dropped Nat Sciver-Brunt on 34, but soon England lost Emma Lamb on 39. Sneh Rana came to the rescue for India with the wicket.
Jemimah Rodrigues took a sharp catch to dismiss England captain. Image | BCCI Women on X
Rana again struck for India in the next over as Jemimah Rodrigues took a sharp catch at short midwicket. The England captain went back to the dressing room on 41 from 52 balls.
Dunkley and Davidson-Richards add 106 for the fifth wicket
Dunkley and Davidson-Richards added 106 for the fifth wicket. Image | ECB via Getty Images
When India were hoping to keep the hosts under 200, Sophia Dunkley and Alice Davidson-Richards' 106-run partnership poured water on that plan.
Both Alice Davidson-Richards (on 16) and Sophia Dunkley (on 23) were dropped by Goud and Jemimah in consecutive overs to help England build that partnership.
Dunkley scored her sixth WODI fifty. Image | ECB via Getty Images
Dunkley went on to complete her 6th WODI fifty while Davidson-Richards scored her second WODI fifty. Davidson-Richards was finally outfoxed by Shree Charani on 53 from 73 as she looked to get going with the run rate.
Sophie Ecclestone gave Dunkley a good hand with an unbeaten 23 from 19 balls. Meantime, Dunkley (83 from 92) was bowled in the last ball of the inning as England scored a modest 258/6 in the first inning.
England celebrating the wicket of Harmanpreet Kaur | Image - Getty Images
During the chase, India got off to a strong start with the bat, thanks to a solid opening partnership between Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal.
However, India lost Mandhana in the 8th over as Amy Jones took a good catch to dismiss her on 28 from 24 balls.
India lost Rawal (36 from 51) in the 19th over, but till then the run rate had reached close to run-a-ball.
Soon, an inept run from Harleen Deol (27 from 44) put India under more pressure. A casual run out and India her in the 22nd over. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur (17 from 27 balls) also returned to the dressing room after Charlie Dean trapped her in front of the wicket.
Deepti and Jemimah add 90 for the fifth wicket for India
Deepti and Jemimah added 90 for the fifth wicket for India. Image | BCCI Women on X
But, a 90-run partnership for the fifth wicket bailed India out of the danger.
Jemimah played a solid inning of 48 from 54 balls before perishing against Lauren Filer in the 42nd over. With India needing 45 from 51 balls, Deepti remained calm under pressure to take India over the line.
Deepti Sharma scored her 14th WODI fifty. Image | BCCI Women on X
Amanjot Kaur again proved her all-around skill with an unbeaten 20 from 14 balls.
Kaur hit back-to-back boundaries to seal the match, while Deepti watched from the other end on 62 from 64 balls.
Deepti Sharma was named player of the match for her excellent inning. India now lead the three-match series 1-0. Not to forget India won the WODI series 3-0 last time on English soil. The second ENGWvsINDW WODI will be played at Lord's on 19th July 2025.
Despite a great fight on the last day at Lord's, India suffered a heartbreak defeat by 22 runs in the third Test against England. Along with this, the discussion has intensified about the batting order of the team, especially the batting at number 3.
After the defeat at Lord's, the Indian men’s cricket team would like to come up with a big show in the fourth Test to level the series. The fourth red-ball match of the ongoing ENG vs IND five-match series will be played at Old Trafford in Manchester from July 23 to 27. For the match at Old Trafford, Indian team management could make multiple changes to the playing XI.
Karun Nair looked solid whenever he was on the pitch in the 6 innings so far. But he could never take his innings beyond 50. Nair scored 0, 20, 31, 26, 40 and 14 runs in the 6 innings so far. During this time, he got out unlucky many times. But it is possible that the team management may now plan to try talented and young cricketer Sai Sudharsan in his place.
23-year-old Sai Sudharsan from Chennai got a chance to debut in the ENG vs IND Leeds Test. But the first opportunity slipped from his hands like sand from his fist. He played innings of 0 and 30 runs in Leeds. The team lost the Test and he was also dropped from the playing XI.
Kuldeep can make a return
Discussions have once again intensified about the inclusion of 30-year-old left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav, who has taken 56 wickets in 13 Tests, in the playing XI. This tour could prove to be a good opportunity to include Kuldeep in the team.
Bumrah and Rishabh Pant out
Before the start of the series, chief selector Ajit Agarkar, head coach Gautam Gambhir, captain Shubman Gill, and even Bumrah himself confirmed that he will play only three matches in England, and since the pacer has already featured in two matches out of three played so far, there is a high possibility that he will miss the game in Manchester to return for the final fixture at The Oval in London from July 31 to August 4.
In addition to Bumrah, wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant could also miss the match in Manchester. Pant suffered a finger injury during the first day’s play of the Lord’s Test, and as a result, he didn’t keep after 34 overs in the first innings. There is still no clarity over Pant’s injury. If he misses out, then Dhruv Jurel will replace him in the playing XI.
The 24-year-old stumper from Agra impressed with his glovework during the third Test, and he has amassed a total of 202 runs in six innings of four Tests played so far. Jurel’s best score in Test cricket is 90, which he registered against the English team in Ranchi last year.
Akash Deep likely retain Bumrah's place
Akash Deep could only manage to take one wicket in the third Test, but if Bumrah misses out due to workload management, then he is likely to retain his place.
Prasidh Krishna, Shardul Thakur, Arshdeep Singh, and Kuldeep Yadav are the other four bowlers in India’s Test squad for the England series, and for the game at Old Trafford, Arshdeep could come in for Bumrah. Arshdeep is a left-arm pacer, and his inclusion will bring variety to India’s bowling attack.
England penalised two WTC points for slow over-rate in Lord’s Test
England have been fined 10 per cent of their match fee and penalised two ICC World Test Championship points for maintaining a slow over-rate against India in the third Test at Lord’s.
England have been fined 10 per cent of their match fee and penalised two ICC World Test Championship points for maintaining a slow over-rate against India in the third Test at Lord’s.
In the last WTC cycle, too, England suffered a few points due to slow over rates. In England, where pace bowlers bowl more often than or not, teams would bowl pacers, which generally takes more time.
India lost the Lord's test narrowly by 22 runs. Image | Getty Images
In the recent past, experts have been saying that the ICC must find a balance between conditions to help teams where pacers come into action more.
England, though, went on to win the third test of the Anderson-Tendulkar series at Lord's in a dramatic manner by 22 runs and are leading the series by 2-1.
Richie Richardson of the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees imposed the sanction after England were ruled to be two overs short of the target after time allowances were taken into consideration.
In accordance with Article 2.22 of theICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which relates to minimum over-rate offences, players are fined five per cent of their match fee for every over their side fails to bowl in the allotted time.
In addition, as per Article 16.11.2 of the ICC World Test Championship playing conditions, a side is penalised one point for each over short. Consequently, two World Test Championship points have been deducted from England’s points total.
England captain Ben Stokes pled guilty to the offence and accepted the proposed sanction, so there was no need for a formal hearing.
On-field umpires Paul Reiffel and Sharfuddoula Ibne Shahid, third umpire Ahsan Raza, and fourth umpire Graham Lloyd levelled the charge.
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