Ishan Kishan Leaps 17 Places In ICC Men’s T20I Ranking
Ishan Kishan has made a big jump in the latest ICC Men’s T20I rankings. He climbed 17 places to reach eighth among batters. The rise comes after his Player of the Match performance against Pakistan in the ongoing T20 World Cup. Kishan has been India’s top run-scorer in the tournament so far. He is sixth overall on the list. In three innings, he has scored 158 runs at an average of 52.66. He has hit two fifties. His best knock was a stunning 77 against Pakistan in Colombo, where he dominated the bowling attack. At the top of the batter rankings, Abhishek Sharma continues to hold the No.1 position despite recent concerns over form. The bowling rankings remain tight. Afghanistan spinner Rashid Khan moved up one place to second. He is now close behind India’s Varun Chakravarthy at the top. Zimbabwe pacer Brad Evans jumped 10 spots to fifth after back-to-back three-wicket hauls in the World Cup. India’s Axar Patel moved up four places to 14th. Jasprit Bumrah climbed six spots to 15th. Ireland spinner Matthew Humphreys made a huge leap of 23 places to reach 23rd. The all-rounders’ rankings also saw changes. Pakistan’s Saim Ayub returned to the No.1 spot. He regained the top position after taking three wickets against India in Colombo. He has been battling closely with Zimbabwe’s Sikandar Raza in recent weeks. Nepal’s Dipendra Singh Airee moved up two places, while Afghanistan’s Azmatullah Omarzai climbed four spots. Both now share fourth place among all-rounders. Among batters, South Africa’s Ryan Rickelton surged 22 spots to 11th. Aiden Markram rose six places to joint 15th. USA’s Saiteja Mukkamalla jumped 16 spots to 21st. England youngster Jacob Bethell climbed 22 places to 32nd.
East Bengal Confirm Their Sixth Overseas Registration
Emami East Bengal FC secured Anton Søjberg, as their sixth overseas player for the ISL season. The Danish forward is set to demonstrate versatility, aerial ability and he will don a 77 number jersey. While expressing his view the head coach, Oscar Bruzon said, “We are delighted to welcome Anton to the Emami East Bengal family. For such a young player, he shows maturity, physical strength and competitiveness.” “He has the intensity, skill and attitude we value, especially in a short league where every game and minute matter. His energy and hunger will add immediate value to the squad. Additionally, he has significant room to grow within our environment and to build on the positive momentum around the team.” The forward is joining East Bengal from American club Monterey Bay FC. The 25-year-old forward brings solid international experience as he begins his journey in India. He developed through Denmark’s youth football system before making his mark in Europe. During the 2024–25 season, he enjoyed a standout campaign with B36 Tórshavn in the Faroe Islands, scoring 10 goals and providing five assists. His performances there highlighted his attacking quality and consistency. He later moved to the United States to compete in the USL Championship with Monterey Bay FC, gaining further exposure in North American football before making the switch to India. Anton Søjberg commented, “The management has already made me aware of East Bengal’s massive legacy. I am here to fight, score, help my teammates and the club achieve its ISL ambitions. I can’t wait to play in front of the fans. Joy East Bengal!”
Ricky Ponting Reflects on Australian Early Elimination
Australian cricket great Ricky Ponting recently reflected on Australia’s early elimination from the T20 World Cup 2026. The former captain said the team’s early exit was a clear sign that something was missing. Australia suffered defeats to Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka, which left them on the brink of elimination. A subsequent washout sealed their fate and ended their campaign earlier than expected. In a recent ICC interview, Ponting stated, “It’s been a really poor campaign, it has to be said.” “They had some injury concerns at the start with (Josh) Hazlewood and (Pat) Cummins being ruled out, and then Tim David not available right at the start as well. While key players like Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood were absent, Ponting refused to use that as the only excuse. He said Australia lacked the presence and intimidation factor that earlier teams carried into major ICC tournaments. “But I think just losing to Zimbabwe as they did, that’s going to be the game that they’re going to think back and think like that’s our World Cup gone, there and then.” He further emphasised, “I think looking at the pool before the start of the tournament, I felt Sri Lanka would be difficult to beat at home, and that’s certainly the way it turned out. They played really well against Australia. That was an amazing run chase when you look at it. That sort of score is never an easy one to chase down.” “But to think that Zimbabwe outplayed Australia in an ICC event, it’s those opportunities that you can’t afford to give up in a tournament like this.” “Doesn’t Have That Aura” He further opted for a blunt comment on Mitchell Marsh’s side, not serving a quality performance. He stated, “I think I said to you the other day that you look at that Australian team on paper, it just doesn’t look to have that sort of aura around it that a lot of other Australian teams have going into ICC events and World Cups.” When questioned about whether Australia views the T20 World Cup as a secondary tournament, Ricky Ponting dismissed the idea outright. He made it clear that no Australian player takes an ICC event lightly. According to Ponting, winning an ICC trophy represents the highest level of achievement in international cricket. He stressed that for any cricketer, lifting a global title should always remain the ultimate goal. “I’m not sure that that’s true. I think it’s probably hard for a lot of the players to get up immediately after an Ashes series. And let’s not forget, our guys just went through five really long Test matches, and it’s physically and mentally draining for a couple of months. Some of the boys went back and played some BBL. The other guys decided to try and rest, freshen up, and be ready for a World Cup,” he said. “But trust me, any Australian team that I’ve been in or been around, yes, the (home) international series is important, Border-Gavaskar (Trophy) is important, but the reason you play is to win World Cups and win titles. The fact that we had as many players out as we did, and some of our best players just not stepping up, is the reason that you don’t win.” “The teams that are left now, the teams that need to have their best players playing well at the back end of this tournament if they’re indeed going to go on and win this tournament as well.”
Jammu Kashmir Script History In Ranji Secure Way To Maidan Final
Jammu & Kashmir scripted their maiden way into Ranji Trophy final, defeating Bengal. With this remarkable feat, the J & K team became the first ever in the Himalayan region to reach India’s premier first-class tournament. After the toss, J&K chose to field, and the powerhouse Bengal secured a score of 328 in the first innings, and J&K failed to seal their dominance after bundled up at just 302. The game turned sharply in the second innings as Bengal were bowled out for just 99. Jammu and Kashmir’s pacers dominated with discipline and movement. Auqib Nabi claimed 4/36, while Sunil Kumar picked up 4/27, setting up a target of 126. Chasing a tricky Day 4 pitch, J&K stumbled early at 12/2 after strikes from Akash Deep. But Vanshaj Sharma anchored the innings with an unbeaten 43. Shubham Pundir added 27, and captain Paras Dogra ensured stability as J&K sealed the win by six wickets. For a region that has struggled with cricket infrastructure for years, this win feels historic. Many are calling it a revival moment for Jammu and Kashmir cricket. J&K now move into the Ranji Trophy final. They will face the winner of the other semi-final in the title clash. They may enter as sentimental favourites. But this is not just an emotional run. Their dominant win over Bengal proved their quality. They look organised. They look confident. They look ready. J&K are no longer just a feel-good story. They are a serious contender for the Ranji Trophy.
