The Cricket Bulletin : Major Talking Points

We will like to continue the good form: Mandhana ahead of T20 World Cup

As India women focus on clinching another ICC title, Smriti Mandhana spoke about the hunger and determination of the team. “For sure, we will like to continue the good form which we’ve had, especially having the success in the 50-over format in the World Cup. And then, of course, WPL (Women’s Premier League) was also good for a lot of players to get that experience, plus the T20 series in Australia,” said Mandhana to BCCI.tv.

She added, “Having said that, with cricket, it’s all about how you start again. But I feel more than anything, with this team, we are really hungry. Everyone looks very hungry in terms of doing the right things.” She further added, “I was like 16 or 17 when I played my first World Cup. That time you are not thinking about what is happening and all. But then I saw the respect for the Australian team, for me, that is when I was like, that is what I want.”

‘Devine’ touch boosts New Zealand ahead of T20 WC

Sophie Devine starred in New Zealand’s 14-run win over England in Canterbury. The 36-year-old made 87* off 57, her highest score against England, to rebuild the New Zealand innings. The Kiwis were reduced to 11/4, thanks to Lauren bell and Linsey Smith. But Devine along with Maddy Green (56*) in a 159-run stand rescued them and put a comprehensive 170/5 on board. Their partnership is the highest-ever partnership for any wicket for New Zealand in Women’s T20Is.

Nensi Patel (2/25), Melie Kerr (1/28), Lea Tahuhu (1/32) and Bree Illing (1/27) then helped New Zealand level the series. After losing the first T20I by seven wickets, this comes as a boost for the side ahead of the 2026 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup. Devine’s return to form matters, especially due to her decision on retiring from international cricket after the tournament.

Pakistan’s ODI squad is a work in progress: Mike Hesson

Pakistan head coach Mike Hesson is focused on building the ODI setup ahead of next year’s ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup. “Look, I think with one day cricket with the World Cup in mind, in a year and a half, you know, we have to widen the group. So rather than the same players always being selected, the ODI squad is a work in progress. And there’s a number of areas we need to develop. And we need to make sure come the World Cup in a year and a half that we’ve actually got the best squad,” said Mike Hesson.

Leading up to the upcoming ODI series against Australia at home, Hesson along with his coaching staffs organized a white-ball camp. Speaking of the same, he said, “The last two weeks have been a good chance for us to identify some of that new talent, challenge them against some of the existing stuff, or existing players, and work out where the gaps are, you know, because some of these young guys are promising, but, you know, still got a lot of work to do.”