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Cummins hat-trick headlines Australia’s easy win

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2 years ago

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Pat Cummins became only the second Australian to take a hat-trick in the men’s T20 World Cup.

A hat-trick from Pat Cummins and a breezy, unbeaten fifty from David Warner helped Australia make a winning start to Super 8 as they made light work of Bangladesh in a rain-hit encounter at North Sound. Bangladesh huffed and puffed their way to 140/8 before Australia raced towards it with ease. The game didn’t witness a proper conclusion as a result of rain but Australia had enough in the tank by then to get the two points by DLS method.

The intent in the powerplay made the difference. Bangladesh struggled, at least for the first half of their powerplay, scoring only 8 runs before eventually dragging that score to 39. However, Australia effortlessly managed to set up the chase with their belligerent hitting, taking full toll of the fielding restrictions to knock off 59 runs without losing a wicket.

It took Mitchell Starc just three deliveries to strike as Tanzim Hasan inside-edged one onto his stumps. Josh Hazlewood followed it up with a maiden over as Bangladesh made just 8 in the opening three overs. Desperate to get out of this rut, Najmul Shanto stepped down the track against Hazlewood to hammer him for a six before Litton Das hit a couple of boundaries off Starc. Bangladesh managed 31 off the last three powerplay overs but there was still a lot of work to be done.

While Shanto attempted to show some intent again immediately after the end of the powerplay with boundaries off Adam Zampa and Marcus Stoinis, Australia regained control. Litton missed a sweep against Zampa and got bowled whereas Glenn Maxwell struck in his very first over, getting rid of Rishad Hossain. The spinners tied down Bangladesh in the middle phase, not allowing the batters to break free. The pressure resulted in the key wicket of Shanto as well.

Bangladesh definitely needed at least 60 runs from their final five overs in order to pose a challenge for Australia. They had a well-set Towhid Hridoy and the veteran Shakib Al Hasan to take charge at the death. Even though Shakib was dismissed by Stoinis, Hridoy gave his side some hope after smashing Stoinis for successive sixes. But an anti-climax was in store as Cummins came in, varied his pace to good effect and ended up picking two wickets off consecutive deliveries to peg Bangladesh back further. Taskin Ahmed managed to eke out some precious runs in the penultimate over but the onus was on Hridoy to give his side a big finish. Cummins, who was on a hat-trick having picked those two wickets off the final two deliveries of his previous over, bowled a slower one as Hridoy couldn’t time a scoop properly and ended up finding the fielder. It was only the second instance of an Australian bowler picking up a hat-trick in a T20 World Cup. The previous one was by Brett Lee in the inaugural edition against the same opposition. Hridoy’s wicket was a massive blow for the men in green as they ended up with a below par total.

Australia were always going to come hard no matter what the target was. Travis Head and David Warner hit a boundary each in the opening two overs before the latter slog swept Mahedi Hasan for a six. Taskin was taken apart for 15 in his first over and even a good over from Mustafizur Rahman was ruined with Head finishing it off with a four and a six. Warner rounded off the powerplay with a six as Australia took full control.

Two balls after the powerplay, the players were forced off the field due to rain. Australia were well ahead of the chase at that point but thankfully the rain didn’t last long. Bangladesh were given a ray of hope post resumption as Rishad struck in back-to-back overs to pick the big wickets of Head and Mitchell Marsh. However, those hopes were quashed immediately by Warner and Maxwell. The duo collected a boundary each off Mustafizur before taking on Rishad for a four and a six. Warner then whipped one past midwicket for another six to bring up his fifty and with that, the rain arrived again – this time finishing the game early for good.

Bangladesh have little time to recover as they take on India next at the same venue on Saturday. Australia will move to St. Vincent to face Afghanistan.


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Zimbabwean Tavengwa Mukuhlani appointed Deputy Chair of the ICC until November 2027.

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2026/09/17

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The International Cricket Council (ICC) has appointed Tavengwa Mukuhlani as its Deputy Chairperson through November 2027.

Mukuhlani, who currently serves as the Chairman of Zimbabwe Cricket and represents the nation on the ICC Board, is set to take over the position from Imran Khwaja, following the latter’s departure.

Mukuhlani serves on the ICC Finance and Commercial Affairs (F&CA) and Nominations Committees, and he chairs the HR and Remuneration Committee. He will become the first Zimbabwean to be appointed as the Deputy Chair of the ICC.

His appointment comes at a pivotal moment for African cricket as Zimbabwe prepare to co-host the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2027 alongside South Africa and Namibia. Leveraging his extensive leadership at Zimbabwe Cricket and regional expertise, Mukuhlani will provide valuable direction as the ICC brings the flagship tournament back to Africa for the first time in 24 years.

ICC Chairman, Jay Shah said, “I warmly congratulate Tavengwa Mukuhlani on his appointment as Deputy Chair of the ICC.  “His experience in cricket administration, understanding of the global game and commitment to its development will be invaluable to the ICC Board.

“Tavengwa has earned the confidence of his fellow Directors, and I look forward to working closely with him to strengthen cricket across our Members and create greater opportunities for the game to grow worldwide. His election is also a significant milestone for Zimbabwe, as he becomes the first Zimbabwean to serve as Deputy Chair.

“With cricket expanding globally and returning to the Olympic Games, strong leadership will be vital. I wish Tavengwa every success in his new role.”

Tavengwa Mukuhlani said, “I am deeply honoured by the confidence placed in me by my fellow ICC Board Directors and grateful for the opportunity to serve as Deputy Chair of the ICC. “I look forward to working closely with our Chairman, Mr. Jay Shah, whose leadership, energy and ambition have brought a clear sense of purpose to the ICC, with a strong focus on growing cricket, creating opportunities for our Members and reaching new audiences and markets.

“Cricket is entering an exciting period, particularly with its return to the Olympic Games and continued global expansion. I look forward to supporting our Chairman, Mr. Jay Shah and fellow board directors in advancing our shared priorities and serving the best interests of cricket globally.”

[ICC]

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Isle of Man teenage all-rounder Lucy Barnett ICC Women’s Player of the Month for August 2026

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10 hours ago

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2026/09/17

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Lucy Barnett takes home her maiden ICC Women's Player of the Month accolade.[ICC]

Lucy Barnett played a pivotal role in Isle of Man’s run to the Women’s Continental Cup final, finishing the tournament as the leading run-scorer.

The 19-year-old beat competitions from Suleeporn Laomi and Nannapt Koncharoenkai of Thailand to the award.

She enjoyed an outstanding campaign, registering a century and two fifties across the competition.

Barnett began with an unbeaten 71 against Romania, guiding Isle of Man to a comfortable run chase in just 13.1 overs.

After scoring only four runs against Greece, she responded in spectacular fashion against Norway, smashing an unbeaten 123 from 64 balls to help her side finish top of the group.

She also made an impact with the ball in those two matches, taking 1/8 against Greece and 1/11 against Norway.

Her strong run continued in the final against Turkey, where she was Isle of Man’s highest scorer with a 59, while also contributing two wickets for 22 runs.

Across four T20Is, Barnett amassed 257 runs at an exceptional average of 128.50 and a strike rate of 178.47.

With the ball, she claimed four wickets at an economy rate of 3.80 and an average of 14.25.

Speaking on the recognition, Barnett revealed the award gives her an added motivation to keep performing at the highest level.

“Winning the ICC Player of the Month award is an incredible feeling and, honestly, still feels a little unbelievable as I am making history of sorts for the Isle of Man,” Barnett said.

“I knew I had a strong month, but to be recognised ahead of so many others is something I’m immensely proud of and will cherish for a very long time.

“It’s a fantastic time for women’s cricket, and to have the spotlight on me now is a truly special feeling.

“I’m grateful to the ICC for this honour and to all my team-mates, coaches and officials who have made my international journey such an enjoyable and rewarding one.

“This award gives me even more motivation to keep pushing myself, and I hope to carry this form into the matches ahead and create many more special moments for my team.”

[ICC]

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Sonal Dinusha named the ICC Men’s Player of the Month for August 2026.

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10 hours ago

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2026/09/17

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Sonal Dinusha [ICC]

Sonal Dinusha has been named the ICC Men’s Player of the Month for August 2026.

This marks Dinusha being crowned with the accolade for the first time in his career.

Having played only three Tests for Sri Lanka coming into the ICC World Test Championship series against India, the left-handed batter was the leading run-getter in the two-match series.

Dinusha finished with 420 runs, averaging a spectacular 140, with three centuries and a half-century to his name.

“This recognition means so much to me, especially so early in my career, and I’m truly grateful to the ICC for this honour,” Dinusha said while reflecting on his latest achievement.

While Sri Lanka lost the first Test by 165 runs, Dinusha managed to score 100 in the first innings, followed by 84 runs in the second.

In the second Test, with the hosts battling to avoid a series sweep, Dinusha scored twin centuries in the two innings (103 and an unbeaten 133) to orchestrate a famous draw.

“The series against India will always hold a special place in my heart,” Dinusha added.

“Scoring three centuries was a dream come true, made even more meaningful by achieving them in Colombo and Galle in front of our home fans.  “Although we didn’t get the overall result we hoped for, the way our team fought back in the second match showed the character, belief and determination we have as a side. I’m proud to have shared that fight with my teammates.

Dinusha made his Test debut for Sri Lanka last year, during the home series against Bangladesh.

In a short time, the all-rounder has made a big impact while representing his team in the longest format, an achievement he isn’t taking for granted.

“Representing Sri Lanka is a privilege I never take for granted, and this recognition gives me even more motivation to keep learning, improving and contributing to the team.

“I’ll continue to give my very best for Sri Lanka in the months and years ahead.”

The hosts managed to keep the series at 1-0, and Dinusha was named the Player of the Match in Colombo.

[ICC]

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