The Cricket Bulletin: Major Talking Points | April 30, 2026

It feels very good to be back: Yastika Bhatia

Yastika Bhatia’s match-winning half-century against England on Thursday marked her memorable return to international cricket since October 2024. After dealing with a knee injury she sustained during a preparatory camp in early September last year, Yastika came back with a 40-ball 52 as India beat England by 38 runs in the first T20I.

Speaking about her “really special” half-century, Bhatia said, “I’m really grateful. I’m coming back after a long time and the team has welcomed me very nicely. It feels very good to be back. The injury time wasn’t easy, but there were people backing me and supporting me.” She added, “Behind the scenes, a lot of work has gone into coming back into the team. My family was very supportive during that time. The Centre of Excellence in Bangalore took care of me very well – the physios and trainers. I’m very thankful to them and even the surgeons who did my surgery. All the teammates and team management staff were in touch with me. All’s well that ends well.”

ICC Women’s T20 Squads announced: Sri Lanka and West Indies

Sri Lanka have announced their 15-member squad for the upcoming ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 in England and Wales. Chamari Athapaththu, who has featured in all the previous nine editions of the tournament will lead the team.

Sri Lanka squad: Chamari Athapaththu (c), Hasini Perera, Vishmi Gunarathne, Harshitha Samarawickrama, Imesha Dulani, Nilakshika Silva, Kaveesha Dilhari, Hansima Karunaratne, Kaushini Nuthyangana, Sugandika Dasanayaka, Nimasha Madushani, Shashini Gimhani, Kawya Kavindi, Malki Madara, Mithali Ayodhya

West Indies have announced their squad for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup. the 15-member squad will be led by Hayley Matthews with Chinelle Henry as her deputy.

West Indies squad: Hayley Matthews (c), Chinelle Henry (vc), Aaliyah Alleyne, Shemaine Campbelle, Jahzara Claxton, Deandra Dottin, Afy Fletcher, Jannillea Glasgow, Shawnisha Hector, Zaida James, Qiana Joseph, Mandy Mangru, Ashmini Munisar, Karishma Ramharack, Stafanie Taylor

Zimbabwe to host South Africa women in a landmark series

Zimbabwe are set to host South Africa for a five-match T20I series in September this year. For the first time South Africa women will travel to Zimbabwe for a bilateral series, post Zimbabwe’s maiden white-ball tour in Pakistan. The series will be played at the Queen Sports Club in Bulawayo with the first match to begin on September 11. The five-match T20I series will end on September 19.

The two sides have met only twice at the senior level and played ODIs in May 2017. “We are pleased to welcome South Africa Women to Zimbabwe for what promises to be a historic and exciting series,” said Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) Managing Director Givemore Makoni.