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Williamson, Ravindra centuries guide New Zealand on Day 1
Rachin Ravindra and Kane Williamson gave the new and inexperienced South African XI a taste of a tough day in Tests as they consolidated comprehensively after the visitors made a good start to life in Mount Maunganui. The duo hit unbeaten hundreds and dragged New Zealand to 258 for 2 at stumps. This was Williamson’s 30th Test century while Ravindra got to three-figures for the first time in the format.
Right-arm fast bowler Tshepo Moreki had a dream start to his Test career as he had Devon Conway trapped leg before on the first ball of his career to leave New Zealand on 1 for 1. Dane Peterson, who tied down New Zealand well all day, broke through next – having Tom Latham nicking to Bjorn Fortuin.
Ravindra was then joined by Williamson at 39 for 2, who initially rebuilt rather cautiously. They dragged New Zealand to 65 for 2 at Lunch and then began to inch forward again after the break. Though South Africa didn’t find a way through the partnership, they did create chances – only to be undone by reviews and their own fielding lapses.
Ruan de Swardt should’ve been the second debutant to earn his maiden wicket towards the end of the second session when Williamson gave him the charge and miscued a big shot. However, that was not to be as the fielder at cover couldn’t hold on while making ground to his left. Williamson was on 45 when this reprieve came his way and he made the most of it. Late in the final session, more misery was in store for De Swardt as he induced a mistimed pull from Ravindra off a short ball, only for the deep backward square leg fielder to spill a tight chance.
Ravindra also rode his luck when outside edge flew over the slip cordon in the final session as South Africa let shoulders drop with every added run to New Zealand and the duo’s tally. The fast bowling trio of Duanne Olivier (19 overs), Dane Peterson (22 overs) and Tshepo Moreki (22 overs) bowled long spells through the day without much to show for it. Captain Neil Brand gave his quicks a break by bringing himself on occasionally but his left-arm spin was also dealt with.
Towards the end of the day, Williamson got to his century – 17th at home – with a pull off a short ball from Moreki. An over later from Peterson, Ravindra brought up his landmark. They didn’t let the milestones mess with their concentration as they went to stumps unscathed.
Brief scores:
New Zealand 258/2 (Rachin Ravindra 118*, Kane Williamson 112*) vs South Africa
Mumbai Indians and their IPL head coach Mahela Jayawardene have parted ways ahead of the 2027 auction. Jayawardene was the MI head coach for the last two seasons, in his second stint with the franchise in that position. He had previously served in that role from 2017 to 2022.
“Mumbai Indians has been a very special part of my journey for over a decade now,” Jayawardene said in an MI statement. “The players, coaching team, the incredible support of the #OneFamily and above all the fans have made this an experience I will always treasure. Together, we have shared some unforgettable moments, overcome challenges and built something we can all be proud of. I want to sincerely thank Mrs. Nita Ambani and Akash Ambani for their unwavering trust, support and friendship over the years. I leave with immense pride in what we have achieved together and will always carry a special place in my heart for MI. I wish the team every success in the years ahead.”
Cricinfo has learned that the question of a possible change in coaching staff came up during the 2026 season review in August, when both the player leadership group and the franchise agreed they needed to look for a change. It is understood Jayawardene, too, agreed with the viewpoint of bringing in younger coaches to bring in fresh perspectives.
The new coach will have the choice of taking a call on the rest of the existing MI coaching staff which includes Kieron Pollard (assistant coach) and Paras Mhambrey (bowling coach).
Jayawardene’ departure leaves MI’s team management in a tricky position, with captain Hardik Pandya also under the spotlight after their second-from-bottom finish in IPL 2026. Not long after MI finished with just four wins from 14 games, rumours of a Hardik trade began circulating in reports and social media. Hardik’s individual performance also didn’t inspire much confidence: he took just four wickets in 10 games and scored 206 runs from 10 innings, striking at 138.25 with a high score of 40.
Jayawardene took over as the MI head coach before IPL 2025, replacing Mark Boucher. Before that, Jayawardene had served as their global head of performance from 2022 to 2024. In that position, Jayawardene had also overseen MI’s three other franchises – MI Emirates in the ILT20, MI New York in MLC and MI Cape Town in SA20.
In his first stint as head coach, Jayawardene won three IPL titles. The second one was less successful, with MI finishing fourth on the league table in 2025 before losing in Qualifier 2, and ninth in 2026.
“Mahela has made a significant contribution to Mumbai Indians over the years,” MI owner Nita Ambani said, “His calm leadership, integrity and deep love for the game have meant so much to us. On behalf of the entire MI family, I want to thank Mahela for his immense contribution and unwavering commitment over the years. We will always cherish the journey we have shared and the memories we have created together. Mahela will always be a part of our #OneFamily, and we wish him every happiness and success in the journey ahead.”
MI now need to look for a head coach with under a month left for the IPL retention deadline – November 15. The IPL auction is expected to take place around a month later in Goa.
MI last won the IPL in 2020 when they became the first team to successfully defend their title. Both trophy wins came under Jayawardene.
(Cricinfo)
The Rose Bowl, which has been awarded to the winner of ODI series between the women’s teams of Australia and New Zealand since 1985, has now been expanded to include T20Is as well.
New Zealand’s three match T20I tour of Australia, which begins on Sunday at the North Sydney Oval, will be the first T20I edition of the Rose Bowl. The teams will get to face off again for the trophy in March 2027 when they meet again for three ODIs, also in Australia.
For Rose Bowl series that include matches in both white-ball formats, the trophy will go to the team with the most wins overall. In case of a drawn series, the current holder will retain the trophy.
“The Rose Bowl is a prestigious trophy that holds a lot of meaning to current and past players, and it’s a series we’ve always taken a lot of pride in competing in,”Catherine Campbell, NZC’s chief cricket operations officer and a former New Zealand player, said. “With so much T20I cricket now being played, this is a brilliant opportunity to keep the Rose Bowl relevant and to build on the history between us and our Australian rivals.”
New Zealand captain Melie Kerr was excited by the broadening of opportunities to compete for the Rose Bowl.
“We’re all aware of what the Rose Bowl represents and the importance it holds in the White Ferns whakapapa [genealogy],” said Kerr. “Great players and teams have fought for it over the years and we’d love the opportunity to claim our own piece of that history.”
Australia have held the Rose Bowl continuously since wresting it back from New Zealand in 2000. Since that 3-0 win, Australia have won 18 times with one series – in 2008-09 – shared 2-2. Overall, Australia have won 26 of the 31 ODI series played for the Rose Bowl, with New Zealand winning three times and three series drawn.
North Sydney will host all three T20Is of the upcoming Rose Bowl series, on October 18, 20 and 22.
[Cricinfo]
US President Donald Trump claims the US Navy’s “effective” blockade has stopped all Iranian ships from crossing the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) navy says a supertanker carrying more than two million barrels of crude oil has struck a sea mine while attempting to cross the Strait of Hormuz through an “unauthorised” route.
The collision caused a huge explosion and a major fire on board the vessel, the IRGC said in a statement reported by semi-official Tasnim news agency.
It alleged that the tanker had turned off all tracking and radar systems, attempting to pass through the strait using deception and with US military support.
‘The Strait of Hormuz is closed’, the IRGC navy warned, adding that vessels violating Iranian regulations would face severe consequences for relying on US backing.
[Aljazeera]
Mumbai Indians and head coach Mahela Jayawardene part ways
Review of progress in reforms and modernisation of key state revenue-collecting institutions
Rose Bowl expanded to include Australia vs New Zealand T20Is
Trump claims US Navy blockade stops Iranian ships in Hormuz
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