East Zone lead by 584 runs in Duleep Trophy final
East Zone has further strengthened their grip on the Duleep Trophy 2026 final. By the close of play on Day 4 at Chennai’s MA Chidambaram Stadium, East Zone had reached 212 for 5 in their second innings, extending their overall lead to 584 runs. With this commanding lead, East Zone is in a very strong position, posing a massive challenge for South Zone heading into the fifth and final day. Notably, East Zone had posted a mammoth total of 708 runs in their first innings.
At stumps on Day 4, Kumar Kushagra was unbeaten on 34 off 55 balls, while Md Kounain Quraishi was at the crease on 26 off 30 balls. Kushagra hit three fours, whereas Quraishi’s innings included two fours and a six. It was a productive day for the bowlers, with a total of nine wickets falling across the three sessions.
South Africa won by 99 runs against Namibia
South Africa defeated Namibia in the first ODI, thanks to a record-breaking century by ODI debutant Jordan Hermann. Hermann made his ODI debut for the Proteas in the match played in Windhoek on Wednesday. He made history by scoring a century in his first match. Riding on his century, the African team posted a mammoth total of 348 runs.
Namibia were only able to score 162 runs in 31 overs in a rain-affected match, losing by 99 runs. Under the DLS rule, Namibia’s innings was reduced to 31 overs. The hosts were set a target of 262 runs, but they failed to achieve it, resulting in a defeat. With the win, South Africa took a 1-0 lead in the series.
Report: Harshit Rana may be ruled out of Afghanistan series
India fast bowler Harshit Rana is expected to miss the three-match T20I series against Afghanistan, starting September 13. Rana has not fully recovered from a hamstring injury and will need more time to regain fitness. Rana has been included in the Indian squad for the three T20 matches against Afghanistan on fitness grounds. He has also been selected for the Indian squad for the Asian Games.
“He hasn’t fully recovered from his hamstring injury yet. It will take some more time,” according to various reports, a BCCI source said. Harshit Rana last played for India during the tour of England and has been out of action since then due to injury.
Regarding whether Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will play in the 2027 ODI World Cup, former Indian bowler Ashish Nehra said that the World Cup is about 13 months away. At this point, it’s difficult to say whether both players will be in the tournament.
“It’s difficult to say if Rohit-Virat will play in 2027 World Cup”: Ashish Nehra
India will play fewer ODI matches before the World Cup. Consequently, the long gaps between each series have led to debate about Rohit and Kohli’s ODI futures. The 2027 World Cup is scheduled to be held in South Africa.
Nehra said, “We talk about Gill and Bumrah, but even Shubman is not in the T20 team. The way cricket is progressing, it is fast-paced and many formats are emerging.” He added, “If both of them score consistently, they can’t be ruled out of the World Cup race. But even if you or I were the coach, it wouldn’t be just my decision. The selectors and others at the BCCI are also involved in the decision.”
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